This remarkable economic turnaround would have been unthinkable only a few years ago, when the state reeled from a spate of kidnappings and murders carried out by the two outlawed insurgent formations, the ATTF and the NLFT. Both organisations used their sanctuary in Bangladesh to carry frequent raids, dacoities, murders and abductions.


There were years when the kidnappings numbered over 1000, that is nearly three abductions a day! These groups stand for a sovereign independent Tripura and are closely networked with other secessionist organisations operating out of the NE region.

Over the years, however, as the state government tightened up its security measures leading to an improvement in law and order, the insurgents felt the pinch. As hundreds of activists surrendered arms and returned to the social mainstream, they admitted that raising forcible revenues through ransom collection, extortion and intimidation became more difficult than ever. Insurgent leaders who led a luxurious life in Bangladesh or Thailand also lost credibility. In Bangladesh, at Comilla, groups of insurgents were tormented by differences to the point where they killed each other, much to the disappointment of the then ruling BNP regime in Dhaka. The election victory of the Awami League later made things far more difficult for the militants as the new administration stood for better ties with India.

Above all, the welfare schemes financed by the centre and the state worked well on the ground, far better than in other states. Tripura earned rich praise for the successful implementation of the NREG scheme. With grassroot reforms taking effect, the spirit of militant insurgency gradually started to weaken. The state also made rapid progress in the IT sector and in power generation; earnings from tourism went up, too. Large gas reserves brightened the outlook for further development. Forest and horticultural resources were mobilised effectively and food processing thrived, apart from the strong showing in the rubber and handicrafts industries.

Over the years, Tripura's connectivity with India has increased phenomenally with capital Agartala now airlinked with most major cities, and five airlines serving it. There is a demand for international flights as well.

Official statistics tell their own story. Today in mother and child mortality, Tripura's figures are lower than the national average. Per capita income, which was only Rs 1307, in 1980-81, is close to Rs 10,000 now. Its GSDP, which rose from Rs 28.6 billion in 1972 when it first earned statehood, increased to over Rs 110 billion in 2006! From 1879 km of roads, the state has over 16,000 km at present and from 12 km of railway lines in 1972 to over 200 km now.

Remarkable as this progress has been, Tripura's record in administrative performance and official probity have been exemplary, even better than Sikkim's, in the NE region. The latest study conducted by Transparency International India and Media Research Centre jointly noted that in Tripura and Mizoram, there was least corruption, while in Assam, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, UP, Nagaland and Goa, corruption was “alarming”. The situation was very good for Himachal Pradesh. Corruption remained “high” in Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and very high in Sikkim.

These studies are conducted keeping in mind 11 key areas of governance and administration, including transparency, police, land records and reforms, central and state welfare schemes, housing water supply and more. (IPA)