Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has unveiled a series of welfare initiatives aimed at enhancing the living conditions of the state’s paramilitary force, the Tripura State Rifles (TSR). During his visit to the 2nd Battalion TSR Camp in Mandwai, West Tripura, Saha emphasized the vital role the TSR plays in maintaining security in the region.
“It’s heartening to celebrate Deepawali together,” Saha remarked. He noted that the TSR, established on March 3, 1984, was created to address security needs, especially during periods when central armed forces were limited. “Since its inception, it has earned the people’s trust, consistently tackling law and order challenges and navigating the complexities of insurgency. The work of the TSR is comparable to that of paramilitary forces, characterized by courage and unity.”
As both the Chief Minister and the state’s Home Minister, Saha acknowledged the significant contributions of the TSR, stating, “From border security to internal peace, the TSR is essential. In the past, people hesitated to visit the Northeast. Today, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, peace prevails, and the TSR has been instrumental in combating terrorism. The TSR continually addresses law and order, disaster response, VIP protection, security for key infrastructure such as industrial facilities and railway stations, managing checkpoints, and combating drug trafficking.”
The key measures announced by Chief Minister Saha include:
- Increasing ration money for TSR personnel from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000
- Raising dress allowance from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 12,000
- Allocating Rs. 5 lakh per TSR battalion for the installation of gymnasiums
- Increasing honorarium for medical officers serving in the TSR to Rs. 60,000
- Promoting 240 TSR jawans on an ad-hoc basis
- Sanctioning Rs. 5 crore for the repair and maintenance of TSR posts and barracks
These initiatives reflect the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its security personnel, recognizing their crucial role in maintaining peace and order in Tripura.