Agartala, 3rd August 2026: Leader of Opposition and Sabroom MLA Jitendra Chaudhury on Monday said that infrastructure development work at a temple in his constituency will begin shortly under the MLA Area Development Scheme after remaining stalled for several months.
Speaking at the programme, Chaudhury said the temple committee had approached him seeking financial assistance for constructing basic facilities for the convenience of temple priests (sebayats), attendants (sevaks), and devotees visiting the shrine. The proposal was approved under the MLA Area Development Scheme, and although the tender process and appointment of the contractor had already been completed, the work could not commence earlier due to certain reasons.
“Now the work is set to begin. I hope the purpose for which the temple committee sought this infrastructure will be fulfilled, ensuring better facilities for the priests, attendants and pilgrims visiting the temple,” he said.
Highlighting the MLA Area Development Scheme, Chaudhury said every MLA in Tripura is provided funds for carrying out development works in their respective constituencies under government guidelines. He noted that the annual allocation, which initially stood at ₹50 lakh, was later increased to ₹75 lakh, enabling legislators to undertake various public utility projects based on local demands.
The CPI(M) leader, however, pointed out that the rising cost of construction materials and labour has significantly reduced the purchasing power of the allocated funds. Referring to the increasing prices of bricks, cement, stone, paint and wages, he said the amount is no longer sufficient to execute many development projects.
“People who have constructed houses or community infrastructure know how expensive construction has become. Even building a modest house now requires much more than what it used to cost,” Chaudhury remarked, stressing the need for adequate resources to meet local development requirements.
