Administrative Collapse and Corruption Alleged in Tripura’s Purbasha and Handloom, Handicrafts, Sericulture Department

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 21, 2025

Widespread concerns are emerging from within the Tripura Handloom, Handicrafts and Sericulture Department and its affiliated body, the Tripura Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd (Purbasha), regarding an alleged breakdown in administrative functioning and growing corruption. What was once a steadily advancing sector is now reportedly facing stagnation, internal strife, and a loss of vision, impacting the livelihoods of countless artisans across the state.

Multiple departmental insiders allege that since early 2024, the momentum gained under a senior TCS officer, Tarun Debbarma who is credited with bringing in central projects worth over Rs. 50 crore , under various central schemes has drastically reversed. Following his sudden removal, implementation of these sanctioned projects came to a near standstill, and alarmingly, no fresh proposals have been developed or sanctioned since then. This has caused serious concern among stakeholders in bamboo craft, handloom, sericulture, and traditional handicraft sector.

According to sources, an effort was also made to disrupt opaque procurement practices in Purbasha. A transparent Expression of Interest (EoI) process was introduced by Tarun debbarma to ensure wider participation of recognized artisans and clusters. This move was reportedly well received by marginalized groups who had long been excluded from departmental deals.

However, it allegedly angered some individuals who had benefitted from the previous non-transparent system and are said to have launched a campaign of misinformation and internal sabotage.

Investigations reveal that two specific staff members within Purbasha and handloom handicrafts and sericulture department played central roles in undermining reform efforts. One of them, known in the department for having deep connections and for being a long-time manipulator of financial dealings, allegedly misled a newly appointed Chairman Kishore Barman and other high officials who lacked contextual understanding. The other, a staffer still working in the department, is widely regarded as a disruptive presence, exploiting influence over certain administrative gaps, particularly in the absence of regular supervision by senior officers.

Allegedly, these internal actors continue to exercise quiet but strong influence by promoting a small group of favoured clusters for out-of-state exposure visits, training, and fairs, while systematically excluding deserving but lesser known artisan groups.

Multiple sources say that this is not just favouritism but part of a pattern of financial manipulation under the guise of promotional events.

Further, there are growing concerns about an emerging culture of selective empowerment within the department. Some honest staff and officers, especially those involved in field work and genuine developmental tasks, are being demoralized and side-lined. In contrast, those aligned with internal interest groups continue to thrive and exert disproportionate control.



The absence of the current top official from the office on most working days, as alleged by insiders, has only exacerbated the situation. Without adequate monitoring, some staff members have reportedly begun using unofficial ‘organizational platforms’ to suppress dissenting voices and maintain a grip over operations.

Amidst this growing internal discontent, voices from within the department are suggesting that the state government discreetly send a fact-finding mission to assess the ground realities, especially regarding the state of artisans, project implementation, and the prevailing office environment. The goal should not be to demand fresh enquiries but to understand the continuing decay from within and ensure corrective measures are taken.

Rather than dwelling on past actions, many believe it is time to rationalize the placement of capable officers who are committed to the department’s long-term welfare and Tripura’s artisanal heritage. Immediate intervention is necessary not only to salvage the credibility of institutions like Purbasha but also to restore faith among honest officials and neglected artisans who are silently bearing the brunt of internal politics.

Many fear that Purbasha, once a profit-making entity, is now on the path of becoming a loss-making corporation,drawing parallels to the beleaguered Tripura Industrial Development Corporation. Insiders blame mismanagement, unchecked corruption and political meddling for this looming crisis. Concerned voices are now urging the state government to conduct a fair and transparent inquiry, reinstate efficient officers, and take corrective steps before the damage to Tripura’s artisan economy becomes irreversible.

There is still time for course correction, if the government chooses to act decisively, sideline disruptive elements, and revive the spirit of genuine service and development within this vital department.

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