Controversy Erupts Over Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma’s Letter Seeking Cancellation of ST Facilities for Tribal Girls Marrying Non-Tribal Men

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, August 18, 2025

A political storm has erupted in Tripura after Ranjit Debbarma, Tipra Motha MLA from Ramchandra Ghat constituency, wrote to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) demanding the cancellation of Scheduled Tribe (ST) benefits for tribal girls who marry non-tribal men.

In a letter dated August 18, 2025, addressed to the Hon’ble Chairperson of NCST, New Delhi, the MLA alleged that many non-tribal boys are intentionally marrying tribal girls to evade government taxes and misuse tribal facilities. The letter was also forwarded to the Governor of Tripura, Chief Minister of Tripura, Minister of Tribal Welfare Department, and the Secretary of Tribal Welfare Department for urgent action.

Ranjit Debbarma claimed that after marriage, non-tribal grooms transfer properties and business licenses in the name of their tribal wives to avoid paying legitimate taxes. He cited examples of petrol pumps, gas agencies, ration shops, and other business institutions being registered in the names of tribal brides to secure exemptions.

The MLA further alleged that non-tribal grooms are taking undue advantage of various central and state government subsidies by purchasing land in the names of their tribal wives, particularly in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) jurisdiction. According to him, such practices are enabling land purchases without paying land taxes, deforestation under TTAADC areas, and illegal business operations such as brick kilns, gardening, and rubber plantations.

“In every sphere of life, they are exempted from government taxes by doing such weddings with tribal girls. Therefore, I request immediate action to stop such marriages and to cancel the entire ST facilities of those candidates who have already completed such weddings in Tripura,” Debbarma wrote in his letter.

The MLA’s demand has triggered sharp debate across political and social circles in Tripura. While some argue that such measures are necessary to prevent misuse of tribal rights and benefits, others view the move as regressive and discriminatory, potentially targeting the personal lives and rights of tribal women.

The matter is now under the consideration of the concerned authorities, including the NCST and the state government, and is expected to spark further discussions in the coming days.

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