BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 7th March 2025: With a strong focus on empowering women and eradicating social ills, the Tripura government has lined up an extensive series of initiatives to commemorate International Women’s Day. The grand state-wide celebration, themed ‘Launch of a Collective Movement to Eliminate Child Marriage and Other Social Ills from the State and Empower Women’, will culminate in a major event on March 13 at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala.
Addressing the press at the Secretariat, Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy underscored the state’s commitment to fostering gender equality. Women Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) supervisors, and Anganwadi workers who have made exceptional contributions will be honored at the main event.
While the official celebration is scheduled for March 13, the observance of International Women’s Day on March 8 will see a flurry of activities across Tripura. The Tripura Women’s Commission will spearhead a vibrant rally in Agartala, the Youth Affairs and Sports Department will organize a state-wide women’s mini-marathon, and the Tripura Child Rights Protection Commission will arrange a cycle rally.
Minister Roy emphasized the importance of ongoing awareness campaigns against child marriage and gender-based injustices. Since March 1, sensitization programs have been actively conducted in brick kilns and tea gardens, engaging district-level child welfare and protection committees. The Education Department has also taken the lead in conducting workshops across schools, educating students and guardians on the detrimental effects of child marriage.
Further reinforcing the commitment to women’s safety and empowerment, the Tripura Police will recognize exemplary women officers and achievers from various fields. Public awareness campaigns on cyber security and women’s rights will also be launched.
To equip women with essential skills and boost self-reliance, the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) has devised a series of impactful initiatives, including self-defense training sessions and felicitation of outstanding self-help group members. A special exhibition will highlight their achievements. Meanwhile, the Health Department has planned awareness camps in hospitals, ensuring that people are informed about child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
Local governance bodies are also playing a pivotal role. From March 1 to March 8, Panchayats and municipal wards have been actively involved in spreading awareness, engaging local representatives and the general public. The Labour Department has extended these efforts to tea estates, brick kilns, and industrial hubs, while the Agartala Municipal Corporation is conducting workshops dedicated to women’s rights and empowerment.
The state government’s welfare initiatives have made a tangible impact. In the current fiscal year alone, 34,974 pregnant women have benefited under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, while 21,551 women have received assistance under the Chief Minister Matru Pushti Upahar Yojana. Additionally, 1,373 children have been granted sponsorship and foster care allowances.
To further support working women, the government has sanctioned Rs 114 crore for the construction of 10 working women’s hostels, with Rs 75.24 crore already disbursed as the first installment. Existing support structures such as Sakhi Niwas in Agartala and one-stop centers across district headquarters continue to provide assistance to women in distress. Plans are also in motion to establish Women Hubs in all eight districts to promote self-reliance through skill development training.
With a comprehensive strategy that combines welfare measures, awareness drives, and empowerment initiatives, the Tripura government aims to create a more equitable society where women and girls can thrive, free from discrimination and societal constraints. The presence of senior officials, including Tapan Kumar Das, Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Social Education, at the press conference reinforced the administration’s unwavering commitment to this cause.
