Agartala, 17th September 2026 : Women and unemployed youth in Tripura’s Dhalai district are increasingly exploring self-employment opportunities through skill development programmes aimed at promoting micro-enterprises.
The NB Institute for Rural Technology (NBIRT), a state-based science and technology organisation with nearly 35 years of experience, has been conducting skill development programmes for unemployed youth and members of self-help groups across Tripura. The initiative covers various communities, including tribal groups, and has helped several participants establish their own enterprises.
With a focus on improving livelihood opportunities in Dhalai, NBIRT has been implementing the Micro-Enterprise Promotion Programme (MEPP) for the past year with financial assistance from the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
Under the programme, participants receive hands-on training in demand-driven trades such as tailoring and beautician services, along with guidance on business operations and enterprise management. According to NBIRT, women including Shyamali Pal Deb, Jhuma Debnath, Prabha Rani Debbarma and Jonaki Debnath have gone on to run their own businesses after receiving training.
The organisation said their success has encouraged other women to consider self-employment and alternative livelihood opportunities.
An MEPP office has been established in Ambassa to facilitate the programme. A beautician training course began there on September 14, with around 30 young women from Ambassa and adjoining areas participating. The inaugural programme was attended by Ambassa Municipal Council Ward No. 9 Councillor Suman Debnath, trainer Namita Nath Bhowmik and senior NBIRT officials.
Meanwhile, a two-week tailoring training programme commenced on September 16 at Netajinagar under Kulai Gram Panchayat, with 30 local women taking part.
Panchayat Ward No. 5 member Lal Das, trainer Rakhi Das and sewing machine mechanic Sailen Acharya attended the programme. NBIRT Project Officer Anup De and senior executives Nandan Chakraborty and Arun Acharya were also present.
Participants thanked NBIRT and SIDBI for bringing skill development opportunities to their localities. The MEPP project is also being implemented in Sepahijala district with SIDBI support, with NBIRT seeking to facilitate the growth of micro and small-scale enterprises across the state.
