Agartala: The tribal regions of Tripura could get a Khelo India centre to encourage indigenous students to take up sports, Union Minister of State Tribal Welfare and Jal Shakti Bishweswar Tudu suggested during his Tripura visit.
Rebati Tripura, the MP from East Tripura Assembly constituency Rebati Tripura, said a proposal to set up a Khelo India centre came up during the meeting, and the concerned departments have been asked to check the feasibility of projects.
Tudu, who is in Tripura for two days, will attend the state-level Busui festival at Dhalai. Expressing satisfaction with the progress of centrally-funded schemes in Tripura, the Union Minister said, “The centrally-sponsored schemes in Tripura have witnessed good progress in the last four years.”
The Union Minister said he believes that the project will cover all targeted households by 2023. On being asked about the hilly areas, he said, “There are three modalities for the Jal Jeevan Mission. First, we are drawing groundwater for regular use. Second, river water is being used where we have the advantage. And third, if the aforementioned process is not feasible, rainwater harvesting remains the only choice. Infrastructure to accumulate and process rainwater shall be built in those areas.”
Replying to a question regarding the reports of the High-Level Modality Committee formed to ascertain development indicators for tribal areas, he said, the matter will be taken up for discussion during his meeting with Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, Tudu said.
On the issue of the inclusion of Kokborok in the 8th schedule, he said, “These things require time. Before taking any conclusive steps, a number of things are required to be examined. In due course of time steps will be certainly undertaken”, said the Union Minister.
On what transpired in the meeting that he chaired, he said, “There are several proposals which are stalled due to some rectification and modification. I have told the state government officials to visit New Delhi and take measures to speed up the process”.
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