By Najam Gilani, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: With an aim to implement the Sachar Committee recommendations and in the light of its own study on the Muslims there, the Tripura government has announced a package of Rs 150 million to bring about an all-round development of the community.
The Muslims are 8% of 3.5 million population of Tripura. The state consists of two parliamentary seats – Tripura East and Tripura West – besides 60 Assembly seats. Of all, there are only two Muslim MLAs: Faizur Rahman from Kurti, Tripura East and Shahid Choudhury from Boxanagar, Tripura West.
Agartala, Tripura
The package of Rs 150 million will be spent on health, education, drinking water and other infrastructure projects in 72 areas across Tripura. As per the report, Muslims accounts for 30% or more of the population in the 72 areas selected for implementation of the package. The package will be implemented in three years time.
Giving details of the package Tripura MLA Faizur Rahman, who was away in Kolkata from some medical treatment, told TwoCircles.net from his hospital bed: “Under the newly formulated package of Rs 150 million, health, education, drinking water besides other infrastructure would be developed in 72 areas across Tripura and work has already been started. In the 72 areas selected for implementation of the package “Muslims accounts for 30 percent or more,” said Faizur Rahman who represents Kurti in Tripura East.
Talking to TCN Shahid Chowdhury, MLA from Boxanagar in Tripura West, said that the package formulated will be implemented in three years time, and indicated that in coming financial year some more packages for the overall development of Muslim community will be announced. He further said that majority of Muslims of Tripura are poor farmers and government sincerely wish and intends to improve their socio-economic conditions through these packages.
Out of total 11 ministers in the state cabinet none of them are Muslims; whereas most of the ministers have been assigned 3-4 portfolios. For instance, Manik Dev has the responsibility of six ministries at his command, followed by the chief minister who himself holds 5 ministries. Similar is the case with all other ministers of Tripura. The limited number of ministers could be in proportion of the Assembly seats. There can be a Muslim face in the ministries to represent the 8% of the population.