Agartala, Sep 13 (UNI) The Centre has approved Rs 9.30 crore for tribal welfare and improvement of socio-economic infrastructure in 62 villages in the state.

This was informed by state Tribal Welfare Minister Jiten Chaudhury.

Briefing mediaperssons the Minister said that the Central Tribal Welfare Ministry has approved Rs 9.30 crore for tribal welfare in the state.

"Out of the total amount, Rs 7.56 crore will be spent for socio-economic development of the tribal people in the state and the rest Rs 1.73 crore will be spent for afforestation," the Minister said.

He further informed that during the meeting with Union Tribal Affairs Ministry secretary Neena Gupta and joint secretary Rajeev Kumar, who concluded their two-day visit to the state yesterday, the state Government has placed the demand for an additional incentive of Rs 12.5 crore for the development of Ekalavya Schools in the state.

Both the delegates were pleased with the role played by the state Government for the development of the tribals in the state.

"They have assured me that they will place our demands before Union Tribal Affairs Minister K.R.Kyndiah and will brief him regarding the steps taken by the state government for the development of the tribals in the state," Mr Chaudhury said.

Both the officials of the Tribal Affairs Ministry visited the Herma Rubber Plantation in Bishramgarh in West Tripura and appreciated the state government's role to promote rubber plantation in the state.

They further assured that the Centre would provide all necessary help required for growth of rubber plantation in the state.

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