Tripura’s Handloom, Handicrafts and Sericulture Sector in Crisis
Jayanta Debnath
June 23, 2025
Tripura’s once-vibrant Handloom, Handicrafts and Sericulture Department, along with its lone affiliated corporation Purbasha (Tripura Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd.), is now facing a grave crisis—marked by administrative neglect, growing corruption, and deepening political interference.
Department insiders allege that Minister Bikash Debbarma and Chairman of Purbasha Shri Kishore Barman have shown little attention to the core activities, institutional upkeep, or developmental responsibilities of the department and Purbasha. As a result, both institutions are reportedly on a sharp decline, crippling artisan value chains and silencing progressive initiatives. Moreover, some BJP-Affiliated 'Power Brokers' Allegedly Looting the System too.
In the vacuum created by disengaged leadership, two employees, known for openly projecting themselves as 'men of BJP'
have allegedly taken control of key operations in both the department and Purbasha. Sources claim these individuals are exploiting the department’s administrative loopholes under the guise of having high-level political backing.
While one of these so-called political touts was recently transferred out of Purbasha following internal pressure and staff unrest, the other, who operates from within the Handloom, Handicrafts and Sericulture Department, continues to manipulate administrative processes, financial approvals, and program implementations. Insiders claim his grip on the system remains firm, and he is allegedly using the name of top BJP political bosses to justify his unchecked actions. And due to that the development halted, and almost all the projects stalled.
The fallout of this internal hijacking is visible on the ground. Following the sudden removal of a dynamic TCS officer, Tarun Debbarma, who earlier secured central projects worth over Rs. 50 crore, the department’s development initiatives have all but collapsed. Not a single new project proposal has been submitted or sanctioned since early 2024.
Recently I talked afew artisans involved in bamboo craft, silk production, handlooms, and tribal handicrafts in Nalchar, Charilam and Ranir Bazar and they say that they have been completely neglected in this new power structure. Field programs have slowed, raw material supply chains are broken, and Purbasha’s marketing and promotional activities are on life support. And Purbasha’s institutional integrity eroded.
It is said that earlier there was a transparent system, during the Tarun Debbarma regim, he introduced the Expression of Interest (EoI) mechanism to ensure equitable participation from marginalized artisan clusters. This reform, however, reportedly angered a section of the entrenched power brokers who thrived under opaque procurement practices.
With the reformist officer removed and the so-called 'BJP men' rising in informal authority, those who worked sincerely for the department’s growth are now demoralized, marginalized, and in some cases, transferred out.
Many departmental sources express frustration at the silence and inaction of Minister Bikash Debbarma, Chairman Kishore Barman and Director Arun Kumar, IFS. Despite repeated complaints from staff and declining outputs, there has been no meaningful intervention from the top. The minister’s prolonged indifference and the director’s alleged detachment from daily departmental functioning have reportedly emboldened corrupt elements and further damaged morale.
Purbasha, once a flagship public sector body with modest profits and a strong market presence, is now allegedly becoming a liability. Poor leadership, internal looting, and lack of direction have turned it into a hollow shell. Insiders fear it may soon meet the same fate as the declining Tripura Industrial Development Corporation unless immediate corrective steps are taken.
In light of these disturbing developments, staff members, artisans, and former officers are urging the state government to launch an internal fact-finding mission, not just for inquiry, but to understand the structural collapse and re-establish accountability.
A complete review of staff placement, particularly those with unverified political links, is being demanded. Many believe that only the reinstatement of honest officers and transparent systems can save the department and Purbasha from irreversible damage.
The soul of Tripura’s heritage, its handlooms, sericulture, and tribal crafts is being eroded by political exploitation and administrative failure. If the government remains silent, the state may lose not just vital institutions, but also the trust of thousands of artisans who represent its cultural backbone.
The time for soft responses is over. What is needed now is bold political will, strict administrative action, and a firm commitment to integrity, before Tripura’s artisanal economy collapses under the weight of unchecked corruption and negligence.
(Author is a senior journalist and editor tripurainfo.com)
(Tripurainfo)
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