We Are Not Against Development, But Tiprasa Sentiments Must Be Respected, Says Pradyot Debbarma After MoU with Tata Group for Taj Hotel and Skill Development
First Published: 15th March, 2025 8:04 IST
He confirmed that after thorough negotiations, a formal MoU has been signed that addresses the concerns of the Tiprasa people.
TIPRA Motha Party founder and royal scion Pradyot Debbarma has clarified that the party is not against development but stressed that the sentiments of the indigenous Tiprasa people must be respected. This comes after the Tripura Government and Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) – Taj (Tata Group) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Taj hotel at the historic Pushpabanta Palace in Agartala and the launch of major empowerment initiatives for indigenous youth.
In an official statement, Pradyot said that news about a private hotel being set up at Pushpabanta Palace had sparked serious concerns and doubts among the Tiprasa people. He said many people questioned the process and rationale behind handing over the palace. “Following protests from various socio-political organisations and individuals, the issue was taken seriously by the state government and IHCL-Taj (Tata Group). I personally met with the Chief Minister of Tripura and senior representatives of the Tata Group to convey our concerns and demands,” he stated. He confirmed that after thorough negotiations, a formal MoU has been signed that addresses the concerns of the Tiprasa people and includes several initiatives aimed at empowering them.
Under the agreement, the Taj Pushpabanta Palace Hotel will retain its original name, and the heritage building will be restored while respecting the history, culture, and traditions of the Tiprasa people. Historical elements and traditions will be prominently displayed, raising awareness among both locals and tourists. IHCL-Taj (Tata Group) has agreed to honour Article III of the Tripura Merger Agreement dated September 9, 1949, which refers to the protection of the Maharaja’s immovable properties. The Royal Family will also be consulted to ensure that the history and traditions are accurately represented.
As part of the empowerment initiatives, a Hospitality Skill Development Centre of Excellence will be established at Khumulwng with a budget of Rs. 13 crore allocated by the Tripura Government. Around 200 trained Tiprasa youth will be employed at the Taj Pushpabanta Palace Hotel, while many others will get opportunities to work at other Taj properties across the country. Additionally, seven Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) will be upgraded as Centres of Excellence with modern training facilities. Tata Technologies will invest over Rs. 35 crore in each of the seven ITIs, bringing the total investment to Rs. 245 crore. These upgraded institutes will train over 2,000 youth annually, offering placement opportunities in multinational companies.
Pradyot expressed his gratitude to the TIPRA Motha, the Youth TIPRA Federation (YTF), TIPRA Women Federation (TWF), TIPRA Indigenous Students Federation (TISF), and Twipra Students Federation (TSF) for raising the issue and ensuring a positive outcome.
Pradyot further stressed that past mistakes of erasing Tiprasa history and traditions must not be repeated. “The Communists tried to erase our identity by renaming historical sites, erecting irrelevant statues, and distorting textbooks. We welcome development, but it must happen with respect for the indigenous people’s identity,” he said.
He said that development should not be limited to Agartala but should extend to the TTAADC areas. “The upgradation of ITIs and the establishment of the Skill Development Centre are steps in the right direction. We invite other business groups to come forward and take up developmental projects in the TTAADC areas,” Pradyot added.
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