Agartala, Sept 23 (TIWN): Minority welfare minister, Sahid Choudhuri on Monday announced 29 point special development package for welfare of minorities in Tripura. While addressing a press meet at civil secretariat the minister said that rapid socio economic development of persons belonging to various minority groups has always been a matter of priority for Tripura Government.

The minister stated “Two special development packages comprising of 16 – points and 8-points were launched in 2000 and 2006 -07 respectively for welfare of the minorities. Both these packages evoked spontaneous response from the people belonging to different minority groups”

     Based on the successful implementation of these special packages and considering the present socio – economic conditions Mr. Choudhuri said it is proposed to launch another special package for welfare of the minorities. “This package shall be implemented over a period of 5 years from 2013-14 to 2017 -18.” added the minister.

    He informed that in the 29 point programme will lay stress on - infrastructure development, economic development and education. Regarding infrastructure development the minister said “Necessary steps will be taken for ensuring basic infrastructural facilities like all –weather roads, power connectivity, telecommunication, safe drinking water, irrigation, health care facilities etc in the uncovered minority dominated area”.

     On economic development Mr. Choudhuri said, “Land will be allotted to the homeless and landless minority families to below poverty line, they will also be provided financial assistance at the rate of Rs 75, 000 per family for construction of dwelling houses and stress will be laid on economic empowerment of women”  

      Speaking on education the minister said new Madrassas will be set up necessary and existing one will be up –graded, special coaching facility will be provided to eligible minority candidates for enabling them to come out successfully in various competitive examinations, education loan will be provided to students pursuing higher and technical studies and one Madrassa degree college will be set up for Madrassa higher education. Approximate budget earmarked for the 29 point programme is Rs 1063.51 crore.   
     The minister said “The state government has identified villages have identified 124 villages and 27 wards of different Nagar Panchayats and the Agartala Municipal Council have been identified having 20 percent of above minority population”  . According to the latest information population of minority in the state is 350 523.