By TC News Desk
Agartala, 30th April 2025: The state government has unveiled a new initiative to extend social allowances to an additional 5,458 beneficiaries. Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy shared the development during a press conference held at the Secretariat here on Wednesday.
“This initiative was made possible as vacancies have emerged in the Central Government’s Social Allowance Scheme due to the passing of previous beneficiaries,” the Minister stated, emphasizing the government’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable communities.
Presently, a total of 3.9 lakh people in the state receive benefits under 34 distinct social allowance schemes, including three central and 31 state-level programs. Minister Roy revealed that in the past year alone, 308 families have received ₹20,000 each through the National Family Support Scheme (NFBS), totaling ₹61.6 lakh.
Highlighting achievements in maternal welfare, the Minister disclosed that 19,823 pregnant women were added to the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana during the 2024-25 fiscal year. Additionally, ₹16.31 crore was disbursed to 27,470 previously excluded beneficiaries during the same period. For the Chief Minister’s Matri Pushti Upahar Yojana, 43,664 pregnant women have benefitted so far, with the government spending ₹8.73 crore.
Looking ahead, a target has been set to provide financial assistance to 21,000 pregnant women in 2025-26, furthering the government’s commitment to maternal health.
Under the Mission Batsalya project, 2,059 children received sponsorship of ₹4,000 per month in the 2024-25 financial year, amounting to ₹9.88 crore. Minister Roy announced plans to extend this program to 6,301 children in 2025-26.
In a significant step, 77 new Anganwadi centers have been established in tribal areas under the Pradhan Mantri Janajati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan scheme. An additional ₹10.56 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of Pakabhavans in 88 centers, with 20 already completed. Efforts to upgrade 474 centers to functional Anganwadi centers have also seen an expenditure of ₹4.36 crore.
Minister Roy noted that corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions from HDFC Bank and SBI have further enhanced Anganwadi infrastructure, including the installation of solar lights and additional development work in 42 centers.
The press conference also highlighted measures to support cancer patients. Minister Roy confirmed that 3,476 cancer patients currently receive ₹2,000 each in social allowances, with plans to extend support to 131 more patients.
Present at the event were Secretary Tapas Roy and Director Tapan Kumar Das of the Department of Social Welfare and Social Education, who provided additional insights into the department’s projects and successes.
