SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL AT THE CIVIC RECEPTION

Agartala, Tripura, 24th September 2010

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very happy to be in the historic capital of your State, Agartala. This is my first visit here and I am impressed with the warm welcome extended to me. Tripura is known for its tradition of a composite culture and a rich cultural heritage, which has added immensely to our country's vibrancy. I convey my greetings and best wishes to all the people of Tripura.

We should be proud that our country has made considerable progress, but our work must continue as we strive to make India a developed nation. This demands contribution by every citizen as well as by every region and State of the country. Moreover, the real test of success would be the balanced development of various regions and segments of society.

Promoting the welfare of the people requires focused attention. Poverty eradication is a primary goal, and this is linked with giving people income-earning and employment opportunities. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and the Tripura Urban Employment Programme initiated in 2009, on the lines of MNREGA, are being implemented. However, consistent efforts would be needed to ensure the growth of skilled employment and expansion of sustainable livelihoods.

India is a nation with a large proportion of a youth population. The future of the country will depend on the manner we are able to cater to their needs in a holistic manner. It begins with improving the infant and maternal healthcare facilities and their nutritional intakes. Along with it is the task of educating the future generation, so that they have the skills and values for building a progressive nation and a harmonious society. Here, I am reminded of the words of Nobel Laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, "The highest education is that which does not merely give us information, but makes our life in harmony with all existence". Gurudev had a deep attachment to Tripura and had visited this State as many as seven times in his lifetime. His contribution to the field of education is legendary, and I am sure that his words will inspire everyone in the education sector here. Universal primary education is now a fundamental right in the country. There is commitment to universalise secondary education and expand the higher education facilities in the country. During my visit, I shall also be participating in the Convocation of Tripura University, which will give me an opportunity to interact with the youth of the State.

Another mission that is of critical importance is the development of infrastructure across the country, including transport facilities. For the North-East region this is even more important. I was glad to learn that road connectivity in the State has improved and Railway lines have been extended up to Agartala, with work for further extension up to Sabroom going on. Agartala Airport has now been transformed into the second largest airport in the North-East. Efforts in these areas must continue as increased connectivity will facilitate two way movement of people and goods within the region and outside.

The Green Revolution of the late 1960s had taken the nation towards self sufficiency in foodgrains. However, as we seek food security for all it is now time for a Second Green Revolution. In this context, I am glad that the State Government has envisaged a strategy to attain self-sufficiency in production of meat, egg, fish and milk. This is a commendable goal. Moreover, Tripura is the second largest producer of natural rubber in the country. Taking advantage of this, rubber based industries have ample scope to prosper here. The land and climate of the State is also suitable for the tea industry as well as other agricultural activities. Rubber and tea plantation activities also have a special economic significance in rehabilitating shifting cultivators, which exist in many parts of this region.

With 60 percent of the geographical area under forest cover, Tripura has a duty to protect forests and the interests of forest dwellers. I am informed that under the provisions of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, a little over one lakh sixteen thousand families have been provided with land pattas. This will provide an opportunity for tribal families to undertake economic activities that will provide them sustenance. Moreover, to provide autonomy to the tribal people, the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council has been established.

Tripura has a number of small industries, but with the improvement of power generation, and an investment friendly environment, there are also many opportunities for setting up of medium and large scale industries based on natural gas, which is abundantly available here. In the services sector there is scope for growth in tourism and the hotel industry. I am sure that the green lush and eco-friendly environment will attract tourists here. In addition, the export and import business has considerable potential. The city of Agartala can look at becoming a business hub for the region. And it is, therefore, important that it becomes a model city.

I understand that steps are also being taken by the Agartala Municipal Council in this regard. The city of Agartala has also been covered under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, for providing safe drinking water supply, sewerage and sanitation, solid waste management, drainage and traffic and transportation. The proper implementation of this will enhance the profile of the city.

Tripura can be a State that provides many opportunities to all its inhabitants. I am informed that the number of females per thousand males in Tripura is higher than that at the national level. I am happy to learn that Tripura has made reservation for women to the extent of fifty percent of the total seats, in the ensuing Urban Local Bodies election. This will definitely set a good example for women's participation in democratic governance.

Tripura has promising potential for socio-economic development. With the initiative of the State Government along with the programmes of the Union Government, I am confident that your State will bring fruits of development to its citizens. I would once again like to thank all the people of Tripura for the warm welcome that they have accorded to me.

Thank you.

Jai Hind.