Concerned over alleged livelihood crisis in Tripura’s remote villages, CPI(M) writes to Chief Secretary

The CPI(M) state secretary and also the Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury on Friday alleged of livelihood crisis in the state’s remote villages and wrote to the Chief Secretary J K Sinha seeking his intervention to solve the crisis and ease livelihood for the poor villagers.

In his letter to the Chief Secretary, Jiten wrote, “During the visit, we had observed with serious concern that the actual livelihood scenario of those areas on the Chawmanu Block in Dhalai District and such other vulnerable areas is extremely concerning, which requires prompt intervention and remedial measures from your end, so that the livelihood and living conditions of the people of those areas and other similar distressed and remote hilly areas of the state may get immediate relief.”

“During our visit, it could be learnt from the inhabitants of those areas that there was no wage employment generation under the MG-NREGA for last six months and most unfortunately, people are becoming compelled to even cross the international border for collection of forest-grown foods and eatables to save their lives by getting rid of hunger Most of the drinking water sources are defunct, either due to lack of maintenance or due to dearth of power supply,” the letter reads.

He also complained of deplorable condition of rural roads and stated, “Condition of the road from the 23 KM point to Thalchhara Bazar, is so deplorable that with every probability, it may get totally cut off in the upcoming monsoon period. Overall health situation is also alarming in the area. Sporadic cases of malaria are already there, with already one life-loss, which deserves immediate precaution and adequate preventive measures, so that the diseases may not get spread during the upcoming monsoon season.”

“Already distressed villagers are getting further harassed in the name of KYC for their Job-Cards. Neither the TTAADC, nor the Agriculture Department or the Tribal Welfare Department had so far supported the people by a single penny for Jhum cultivation, while the Jhumias are greatly suffering from both adverse climatic conditions, as well as from extreme financial distress,” he further stated in his letter.