Mr. Speaker and Hon’ble Members,

I consider it my privilege to welcome you to the first session of the Tripura Legislative Assembly for the year 2002 and take this opportunity to convey my greetings for the New Year to all of you and to the people of Tripura. As we enter the New Year, we need to introspect and improve our performance. I am confident that the year 2002 would see a further strengthening of our resolve to build a strong and prosperous Nation free of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and destitution.

2. At the outset, I would request the Hon’ble Members to join me in paying our deep homage to all those who have laid down their lives at the hands of terrorists. The global scenario has undergone a sea change after the September 11 attacks. The entire world has risen in unison against terrorist activities of all kinds. The whole nation has united in condemning the dastardly attacks by the terrorists on the Parliament and the Kashmir Assembly. All peace loving people of the country should rise against terrorism and the inhuman acts of terrorists. The terrorist activities are detrimental to the very existence of democracy and to our civilization as a whole and should be denounced by all right-thinking citizens. In Tripura also, the terrorists have been perpetrating heinous crimes in the form of killings, kidnapping, extortion and arson. The developmental work has been seriously affected by the activities of the terrorists. The task of containing terrorism in the State is not an easy one with the strength of security forces being inadequate. The terrorists reportedly have their hideouts in Bangladesh and the long and porous border makes their movement across the border easy. The problem of terrorism in Tripura cannot be seen in isolation, as it is a part of the problem faced by the entire North-east. Most major terrorist groups in the North-east are reported to have their camps in Bangladesh. ISI is reportedly coordinating their activities and trying to destabilize the region. Tripura is being used as a corridor by the major terrorist groups of the North-eastern states. The State Government has taken up with Government of India to pursue with Bangladesh the matter of closing down terrorist camps in that country. I would like to convey my condolences to the families of common citizens and security men who fell to the bullets of terrorists in the last one year.

3. Hon’ble Members would recall that my Government has been opposing the policies of privatization, liberalization and globalisation of the Central Government on the ground that these policies are not beneficial for the lesser-developed nations like India. Our stand has been vindicated in the last few months when Argentina and other developing countries of the world have witnessed debilitating crises as a result of following these policies. The multi-lateral bodies, namely, World Bank, IMF and WTO, have earned the wrath of the working people and common masses all over the world. In India as well, these policies have severely affected the interests of working people and the poorer sections of the society. The peasantry has been the worst hit. While the Central Government is advocating privatization and disinvestment, less developed States like Tripura would be the worst affected since no private agency would come forward to invest in the States of North-east because of their inadequate infrastructure. This would further frustrate the youth, which would only help our enemies who do not want a strong and prosperous India.

4. One of the strongest pillars of our democracy has been the noble concept of secularism. It has been enshrined in the Indian constitution and Indian polity has been appreciated worldwide for its secular credentials. However, in the recent years, our secular fabric has come under attack from communal forces which have raised their head in the most vicious manner. The Minority sections of the society have started feeling a sense of insecurity. My Government would request the Central Government to take all possible measures to instill a sense of confidence among the minorities.

5. As the Hon’ble Members are aware, the State of Tripura is plagued by many problems that most other States do not face. The demographic profile of the State underwent change after the partition of the country. There are locational disadvantages and infrastructural bottlenecks, leading to economic hardships. We have rich natural and mineral resources, but due to infrastructural inadequacies of the State, these resources could not be tapped. The State Government would have been in a position to tap these resources better if the Central Government was more forthcoming in assistance.

6. During the year 2001, the law and order situation remained by and large under control. The number of terrorist-related incidents decreased from 445 in the year 2000 to 184 in the year 2001. The cases of kidnapping, ethnic violence and arson have come down significantly in the last year. A number of hardcore terrorists were killed and several others nabbed. Besides, some disillusioned terrorists surrendered to the security forces. The relative improvement in the situation has become possible due to sustained and coordinated efforts of security forces with active support of the peace-loving people. Despite these improvements, there is no room for complacency. The two major terrorist groups, namely, NLFT and ATTF, continue their disruptive, destructive and anti-people activities.

7. My Government has been taking all possible measures to contain the problem with all its limitations. A number of initiatives have been taken to strengthen the police force in Tripura. Two new battalions of TSR have been raised this year, one of which is an IR battalion. Another IR battalion would be raised this year. During the last year, a new police station was made operational at South Anandanagar. Steps are being taken to make two other police stations in Chailengta and Nepal tilla functional. The State Government has decided to upgrade Ranirbazaar outpost to a full-fledged police station. We have initiated steps to modernise the Police force with sophisticated arms, more vehicles and better communication facilities. A number of camps have been set up in interior areas to curb the movements of terrorists. A small Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare training centre has been set up at Kachucherra during this financial year. Despite these measures, the problems of shortage of Security Forces, existence of terrorists’ camps in the neighbouring country and inadequate border management continue to hamper effective and result oriented anti-terrorism operations. My Government has requested the Central Government repeatedly to address these critical issues, in particular the augmentation of central security forces. While the measures adopted so far underline the firm resolve of my Government to combat terrorism in the State, we are also conscious of the factors that have enabled such a situation to arise. Hence, utmost efforts are being made to take development to the most interior areas of the State. We have appealed to those who have taken to the path of violence to join the mainstream. A rehabilitation package for the surrendered terrorists is in place. Training-cum-rehabilitation centres have been set up in Sikaribari in Dhalai district and in a place near Maharani bazaar under Udaipur sub-division. As regards those who have lost their kith and kin and property due to terrorist violence and who have been forced to leave their places of residence, my Government is trying its best to rehabilitate the affected families by providing suitable assistance of different kinds. My Government is also taking initiative for upgradation of infrastructure and modernization of the jails in Tripura. Steps have also been taken for the infrastructural development of the fire stations in the State. Three-shift duty has been introduced in six fire stations in the State. New fire stations are being set up at Kadamtala, Salema, Manubazaar and Industrial Growth centre at Bodhjungnagar.

8. My Government remains firmly committed to the involvement of Panchayati Raj institutions in the upliftment of the rural masses. In line with our policy to devolve greater power to the grassroots, funds have been earmarked for devolution to these bodies in the current financial year. The strategy formulated by the State Planning Board, with main emphasis on the Primary Sector, continues to receive the highest attention. The concept of participatory planning Gramoday has been adopted to involve the common people fully in the plan process. Utilisation of agricultural land is being optimized and cropping intensity increased. Efforts are underway to increase productivity by encouraging scientific cropping and ensuring timely supply of essential inputs. Hybrid rice cultivation is being encouraged and certified seeds are being produced in the State now. Improved methods of jhum have been adopted to enhance productivity and 4,379 jhumia families are being covered this year. Our effort is to attain self-sufficiency in foodgrains production by 2010 A.D. Irrigation has received the highest priority with a view to improve agricultural productivity. Hon’ble Members would be happy to learn that the irrigation potential created during last three years is more than 50 % of what was created prior to this period. In the current year, a number of minor irrigation schemes have been completed. In the horticulture sector, my Government has formulated a 10 year Perspective Plan for development of this sector with emphasis on development of commercially remunerative crops.

9. My Government has encouraged conservation and scientific management of forests to benefit the tribals who have traditionally depended on it as well as others. The concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) continues to receive our special attention and it covers an area of more than 35,000 hectares now. To increase tree cover beyond traditional forest areas, the Angan Ban Prakalpa scheme is being implemented in the State covering an area of around 360 hectares in 2038 private holdings. My Government is also taking up a project for conservation and development of bamboo and medicinal plants in the State. Land reforms continue to be a priority of the State Government. Restoration of the tribal land has been pursued with all seriousness. Land continues to be allotted to the landless and homeless families. During the current financial year, a total of 189.80 acres of land has been allotted so far to 214 families, most of whom belong to STs, SCs, OBCs and religious minorities.

10. My Government continues to give priority attention to implementation of the poverty alleviation programmes. Our primary concern has been arranging adequate funds under schemes such as EAS, JGSY, etc., creating drinking water sources, housing and village road connectivity and, thereby, generating wage employment opportunities in remote and impoverished villages. From the current year, the Central Government has introduced a new scheme by the name Sampurna Gramin Rozgar Yojana after clubbing the existing schemes of EAS and JGSY. We hope that with the introduction of this new scheme, the flow of funds to this sector would increase considerably. During this financial year, a large number of deep tube wells have been commissioned to provide drinking water facility. The work on construction of water treatment plants has been completed at Dharmanagar and is nearing completion in Kailashahar, Kamalpur and Belonia; and these plants are expected to be commissioned in the current year. Our endeavour is to convert all the NC (not covered) habitations to FC (fully covered) within this financial year. A total of 15,883 houses are being constructed this year under the rural housing schemes. Hon’ble Members would be happy to know that my Government has constructed more houses in the last three years, excluding the houses that would be constructed this year, than those constructed in the last 8 years. A large part of the fund for rural development is being expended to speed up development in the tribal areas. In the urban areas also, the State Government has drawn up a plan to take up developmental activities in a big way, with the emphasis being on drinking water facilities, sanitation, strengthening of infrastructure and development of slum areas. Nagaroday, a programme for participatory planning, has been launched in Agartala Municipal Council and 12 Nagar Panchayats. The State Government has drawn up an action plan for accelerated development of drainage works, roads, solid waste management and water supply schemes in the Agartala Municipal areas and the work is expected to start shortly.

11. My Government is committed to the development of the weaker sections of the society. The ICDS centres continue to augment nutritional intake of expectant mothers and children in remote areas. The newly sanctioned 11 additional ICDS projects are expected to be made functional very shortly. Senior citizens are benefitting through the National Old Age Pension scheme with contributions from the State Government. The schemes for welfare of juvenile delinquents, visually handicapped and other disabled, destitute women and children, and other disadvantaged groups are being given continuous emphasis.

12. The expansion of health care facilities continues to receive the emphasis of my Government. The construction of the Super Speciality Block in the GB hospital is nearing completion. New diagnostic equipments have been installed in G.B.Hospital and these facilities are available free of cost to those living below the poverty line. Diabetic Research centre at GB hospital is nearing completion and would be commissioned in the coming year, despite the fact that the financial assistance received from NEC was inadequate. Construction of a new 40-bed paediatric ward at IGM hospital has been completed. District hospitals are being strengthened. Special emphasis is being given to starting new PHCs and upgradation of existing ones in the interior areas as per the 25 point tribal package.

13. In the field of Sports, the 16^th North-east Sports Festival was organised at Agartala from 7^th to 10^th February, 2002. The festival was a great success with enthusiastic participation from sportspersons of different North-eastern states. Tripura’s athletes excelled in most of the disciplines and it was a proud moment for all of us to see Tripura at the top of the medals tally. In youth affairs, cultural festivals were organised to instill in the youth pride in their culture and to create an ambience suitable for the overall development of personality. The State Government is taking steps for setting up a multi-cultural complex at Agartala. In the current year, three Film festivals were organized which attracted very good response from the common cine-goers. Augmentation of tourism facilities and infrastructure at the different tourist sites continues to receive due attention of the State Government. In the last year, four tourist lodges have been commissioned. In addition, six new tourist lodges and five cafetaria would be made functional very soon.

14. My Government is conscious of the need to re-orient the educational system to keep pace with the changing times and has constituted a State Education Commission to review the present system of education and recommend changes in curriculum, syllabus, etc. Emphasis is being laid on construction of primary school buildings, provision of drinking water facilities, sanitation, furniture and books to school students. During the current year, 208 primary and upper primary school buildings are being constructed. Computer education is being introduced this year on pilot basis in 8 higher secondary schools through the involvement of a private training institution. In the Higher Education sector, new courses have been introduced and intake capacity increased in existing courses in the current year. We have provided land and some financial assistance to Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan for setting up a Science college at Anandanagar, West Tripura. My Government had taken initiative for starting the regional centre of IGNOU at Agartala and it has become functional in the preceding year. All the Departments in Tripura University except four and its administrative office have been shifted to the Surjyamaninagar complex and the work on infrastructure building is in progress.

15. My Government is giving special emphasis to imparting of quality education to the SC, ST, OBC and religious minority students. A 25-point tribal development package is under implementation for a more focussed and prioritised development of tribal areas. Special 44-point programmes for the SC, OBC and Minority communities are also under implementation. In the current year, my Government has decided to start area-based projects in a total of 45 backward areas inhabited by ST, SC, OBC and religious minority communities. The TW, SC, OBC & Minority Development Corporations have been granting loans to eligible beneficiaries under self-employment schemes and targets have been increased. The State Government is implementing a health project for the Reangs, a primitive tribal group, with assistance from WHO and ICMR. My Government is aware of the sense of loss felt by the tribals because of the restriction imposed by the Forest Conservation Act on their traditional rights on forest and its produces. We have been pursuing with the Central Government to amend the laws to the extent that the rights of the tribals are respected. My Government continues its thrust on Jhumia Rehabilitation schemes primarily through rubber and tea plantations.

16. My Government is committed to ensuring the safety and good health of the workers in the industrial sector as also safe environment for the people living in the surrounding localities. The State continues to have a congenial atmosphere for industrial growth. There are 1396 licensed industries in Tripura. The State Government has also taken initiative for publishing of monthly employment bulletins and for hosting of job vacancies on Tripura’s website. I am happy to inform the Hon’ble Members that the State Government has introduced a new scheme, namely Asanghatita Shramik Sahayika Prakalpa, for the unorganized workers.

17. A balanced development of the secondary sector has been accorded importance in the policy directions evolved by the State Planning Board, with the broad objective of generating employment opportunities. Efforts are being made to streamline procedures and processes for higher credit flow to this sector. Infrastructural and institutional support to trade and industries is being strengthened. A new programme Swavalamban has been launched for providing self-employment opportunities to the youth of the State. Self-employment schemes, namely PMRY and Margin money scheme, continue to be implemented in the State with the same vigour. The achievement could have been much higher if the banks, especially the nationalised banks, had come forward in a more positive manner. These banks are not meeting even the RBI norms for credit-deposit ratio in Tripura. We hope that the Banks would rise to the occasion and considerably improve their working in future. The potential sectors engaging our special attention include natural gas based industries, food processing industries, agri-exports and tea plantation. A judicious utilization of our natural gas reserve and its planned expansion is being monitored closely. Tripura Natural Gas Company (TNGCL) has started implementing the city gas distribution project for distribution of piped natural gas to domestic as well as commercial consumers and a total of 30,000 households would be covered. The State Government has submitted a proposal to Government of India for setting up a gas-based fertilizer project in Tripura. Development of food processing industries has been accorded priority in view of its potential for providing forward linkage to available raw materials in the State. A food-processing park is being set up at Bodhjungnagar covering an area of 30 acres. The State Government has also taken initiative for setting up of an agri-export zone in Agartala. Other prospective areas receiving our consideration are rubber-based industries, tea processing factories, coir, handloom, handicrafts and sericulture. Strengthening of trade and commerce with Bangladesh is being actively pursued with the Central Government. We are also actively pursuing the issue of transit through Bangladesh. Because of repeated efforts of the State Government, the trial run for the bus service from Agartala to Dhaka took place, but the commercial run is yet to start. Steps have been taken for development of related infrastructure in the land custom stations, of which 7 are functional presently. My Government has continued the initiative to encourage the development of handloom and handicrafts. The main emphasis has been to improve quality and marketing strategy. Construction of handloom marketing complex has started. Infrastructural upgradation has also been taken up In Sericulture, as a result of special emphasis, production of cocoon has increased from 30 MT to 41 MT as in February, 2002. At the initiative of the State Government, the Central Government has sanctioned 4 new ITIs at Dharmanagar, Udaipur, Belonia and Ambassa along with modernization of the existing 4 ITIs in the State.

18. In order to harness the potential of Information Technology (IT) for generation of employment in the State, an IT park is being set up in Agartala by NEDFi. With a view to take IT to the common man, fifteen more Computer Information Centres (CICs) are being set up in different Blocks of the State. An e-Governance Plan for the State has been formulated for a focussed approach to the work of computerization in different departments, with a view to ensure better delivery of Government services to the common citizens of the State. There has been some improvement in the telecommunication services, but there is scope for further development. Internet services also need further augmentation. Optical fibre link between Agartala and Silchar needs to be completed expeditiously.

19. My Government is deeply conscious of the need to keep abreast with the latest developments in science and technology. In order to harness the potential of biotechnology for its application in agriculture, forests and agri-allied activities, the State Government has decided to create a new Directorate of Bio-technology under the Department of Science, Technology and Environment. The Directorate is expected to start functioning very shortly. A State Remote Sensing centre has been set up at Vigyan Bhawan. As regards non-conventional and renewable energy sources, several initiatives have been taken for awareness of common people, especially in rural areas. A Renewable energy complex, the first of its kind in North-east, has been set up at Sabroom. The work on construction of 1 MW Biomass gasifier power plant at Khetricherra in Dhalai district is nearing completion and the plant would be commissioned very soon. This will be the largest biomass gasifier plant not only in the North-east, but in the entire country.

20. My Government has formulated a perspective plan for self-sufficiency in fish production by 2012 AD with special emphasis on enhancing level of fish production, creation of new water bodies and involvement of fishery cooperatives in higher fish production. Fishermen living in and around Gumti reservoir areas have been given right for fishing and it’s marketing on payment of royalty to the State Government. A hatchery has been commissioned for propagation of endangered species of fish. In the Animal Resources Development Sector, special thrust is being given to the animal husbandry extension activities. The State Government has drawn up a 10-year Perspective Plan so that the State can march towards self-sufficiency in food of animal origin – milk, meat and eggs. Efforts continue to popularise pig rearing by introducing exotic varieties. Recently introduced Japanese Quail, Coloured broiler and Rabbit farming have become quite popular. Necessary infrastructure for establishment of a Veterinary Biological Production Unit has been developed at Agartala so that the State does not have to depend on outside sources for procurement of vaccines and their effective utilisation.

21. My Government maintained regular supplies of essential commodities through the fair price shops and there were no major shortfalls in the preceding year. A total of 2.49 lakh BPL families were covered. Under the newly introduced scheme Annapurna, a total of 11,480 persons were covered this year. A total of 45,224 families were covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana scheme. The Central Government did not accede to our request for meeting the transportation and incidental costs under this scheme. In order to protect the interests of the ‘poorest of the poor’ families, the State Government decided to implement the scheme by meeting these costs from its own limited resources. Another new scheme Sarvapriya has been launched in the State under which commodities such as toilet soap, detergent cake, exercise books, etc. are sold at reasonable rates. To protect the interest of the consumers, the State Commission and three District Forums are functioning regularly. Tripura State Cooperative Consumers Federation Ltd. continues to play a vital role in urban and rural areas supplying essential commodities at a reasonable rate. The Tripura Apex Marketing Cooperative Society Ltd. is engaged in marketing of products like jute, paddy, potato, Arjun Flower, LPG and grocery items and its activities have tried to stabilise the price line. The Banks in the Cooperative sector have been granting loans to eligible beneficiaries.

22. Road communication plays a vital role in Tripura. My Government continues to place emphasis on improvement and construction of roads, with the priority being given to providing road connectivity to interior areas. Due emphasis is being placed on replacement of timber bridges by permanent ones. The work of construction of railway line on Agartala - Kumarghat sector has been completed to the extent of 30%. My Government has repeatedly taken up with the Centre for sanction of the railway line extension to Sabroom. A new terminal building has been commissioned at the Agartala airport. The runway is also being extended to enable bigger-sized aircraft to land in the night. The common people continue to suffer on account of inadequate number of flights on the Agartala-Kolkata route. My Government is also concerned at the recent rise in airfares, which had been increased significantly in the last year too and would place an additional burden on the common person.

23. To partly meet the shortfall in peak demand of power in the State, two gas - based thermal projects of 21 MW each have been taken up at Baramura and Rokhia. The work on Rokhia gas thermal project is nearing completion. My Government has entered into an agreement with NEEPCO for setting up a 500 MW power project. Emphasis is being placed on energisation of irrigation pumps and water supply pump sets. Rural electrification continues to be the thrust area and 11,400 service connections are being provided free of cost to BPL families under Kutir Jyoti scheme in the current financial year. Under the 25-point tribal development package, 28 tribal hamlets will be covered with electricity line this year.

24. As the Hon’ble Members might be aware, the Central Government had set up non-lapsable pool of resources for the Northeast. I am happy to state that the State of Tripura has performed quite well and has been able to take maximum benefit of Central assistance among the North-eastern states from the non-lapsable pool. The work on the new Capital Complex and development of Tripura University sanctioned under this pool are progressing well. We have also received sanction for proposals for strengthening of the education infrastructure under the non-lapsable pool. My Government has also taken up with Central Government the need to revamp NEC so that it achieves its obligations in a better manner.

25. Hon'ble Members are aware that a large number of Reang families were displaced due to ethnic disturbances in Mizoram in October, 1997 and they took shelter in Kanchanpur sub-division of North Tripura district. They are being provided ration, cash dole, medicines and clothing. The State Government has also provided drinking water, sanitation and health care facilities in the relief camps. The State Government has repeatedly requested the Central Government and Government of Mizoram for repatriation of these refugees back to Mizoram. The Union Home Ministry took some initiative, but there has been no progress on the ground and the Reangs continue to languish in relief camps. This has been a source of many problems for the State.

26. My Government has been repeatedly requesting the Central Government for setting up a separate High Court for Tripura. The new Courts of Additional District & Sessions Judge at Khowai and Sonamura have already become functional. My Government has taken initiative for evolving an alternative judicial delivery system in the State with a view to adjudicate disputes of the poor people who are not able to reach the Courts. Training has been imparted to 230 legal service volunteers who would organize Lok Adalats and legal awareness camps. A total of 6 Lok Adalats have been organized during the current financial year. A permanent Lok Adalat has also been constituted.

27. My Government is aware of the problems inherited by the State for historical reasons and is conscious of the fact that optimum utilisation of the abundant resources it has, can spur the State on the path of prosperity. We are trying our best to tap these resources with a view to strengthen the economy of the State and enhance the standard of life of the common masses. We will need active assistance of the Central Government in accomplishing our objectives and I trust that its support would be forthcoming. The centrally sponsored schemes, especially the Prime Minister’s Gramodaya Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, need to be structured in such a manner that the special category states, like Tripura, are able to take full advantage of the schemes by streamlining the procedures for sanction of funds. We also need to have peace and tranquillity so that full attention can be given to developmental issues. I have the firm conviction that all peace-loving people of the State would contribute their mite towards creating an atmosphere of amity, peace and goodwill.

28. I seek your leave to conclude and urge you to initiate the deliberations. I hope the deliberations in the House will live up to the high standards it has maintained. I am fully confident that under the leadership of the members of this august House, the State will achieve peace and prosperity. I convey my best wishes to all of you and to the people of Tripura.

JAI HIND