Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha has distributed 1,877 toolkits to skilled Bru youth at a state-level event in Amarpur, advancing efforts to convert rehabilitation into sustainable livelihoods.
The ceremony, held at Anandadhara Town Hall in Gomati district on August 24, also saw the release of ₹91.08 lakh in stipends and the issuance of 255 driving licenses to trained Bru candidates. The stipends of ₹2,000 each were provided to 4,554 beneficiaries.
The initiative, led by the Directorate of Skill Development within the Department of Industries and Commerce, focuses on vocational training tailored to Bru resettlement colonies. Since 2024, 5,121 Bru youth from 4,288 families have received training across 41 trades in two phases, with a total budget of ₹16.25 crore committed. The program aims for at least one member in every rehabilitated Bru family to acquire a skill capable of generating income.
The Directorate has structured training to be accessible within or near resettlement colonies, removing geographical and familial barriers. Offered trades include livestock and agriculture, construction, textiles, transport, renewable energy, personal services, and small-scale food businesses. Women have been notably active in trades such as tailoring, handloom, mushroom cultivation, beekeeping and pickle making, creating further income opportunities.
Chief Minister Saha emphasized that rehabilitation is only complete when every family can achieve economic independence with dignity. He stated that the toolkits would enable beneficiaries to apply their skills immediately to income-generating activities. He also referenced Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s guidance on empowering youth through training and economic opportunities.
Saha noted cooperation between the Center and State governments to provide appropriate training under government schemes, aiming for beneficiaries to become self-employable and capable of supporting their families rather than merely job seekers.
The Phase II tool kits distributed covered trades including tailoring, mushroom cultivation, beekeeping, masonry, carpentry, electrical work, solar LED and photovoltaic systems, two-wheeler servicing, barbering, traditional handloom, bamboo utility products, street food vending and roadside food services. The 255 trained Light Motor Vehicle drivers received licenses to seek employment or operate vehicles commercially. Additionally, the stipend payments for both training phases have been fully disbursed.
The Directorate, in collaboration with the Ramakrishna Mission, has introduced foreign-language training to open new employment avenues in hospitality, tourism, translation, business process services and overseas work. Chief Minister Saha urged youth across Gomati district and the State to utilize the government’s training facilities and assured continued support through training, placement and enterprise development stages.
The program also featured an exhibition of products and livelihood activities by trained Bru beneficiaries. A trained participant shared his experience, and a video showcasing Bru training success stories was screened.
This initiative marks a significant policy shift in Tripura’s approach to Bru rehabilitation—from providing basic relief to ensuring long-term economic independence through skills, tools and livelihood opportunities. By combining training, toolkits, licenses and financial support, the Directorate of Skill Development seeks to secure sustainable income and dignity for Bru-Reang families throughout the State.