By TC News Desk
Agartala, 18th August 2025: Tipra Motha Party MLA Ranjit Debbarma on Monday wrote a letter to the Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), urging the cancellation of all Scheduled Tribe (ST) benefits for tribal women who marry non-tribals in Tripura.
In his letter, Debbarma alleged that a section of non-tribal men are deliberately marrying tribal women to evade government taxes and misuse the facilities meant for Scheduled Tribes.
“A considerable number of non-tribal boys intentionally marry tribal girls with the sole motive of escaping legitimate taxes. After marriage, properties are transferred in the name of the tribal bride to avoid government taxation,” he stated.
The MLA claimed that business establishments such as petrol pumps, gas agencies, ration shops, and other enterprises are being operated in the names of tribal wives, allowing the non-tribal husbands to avail subsidies and other benefits from both the central and state governments.
He further alleged that landed properties are being purchased in the names of tribal brides to bypass land taxes, particularly in areas under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). “Non-tribal men are buying vast tracts of land, starting rubber plantations, brick kilns, and even engaging in deforestation under TTAADC jurisdiction by exploiting this loophole,” Debbarma wrote.
He argued that such practices are depriving the government of legitimate revenue and undermining the very purpose of extending facilities to Scheduled Tribes.
“Therefore, I request you to take immediate and effective steps to stop such practices and to cancel the ST benefits of those who have already entered into such marriages,” the MLA urged in his letter.
