Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Sunday said the state government is giving top priority to the all-round development of janajati communities and is firmly committed to strengthening the Kokborok language and other minority languages of Tripura.

Dr. Saha made these remarks while attending the 129th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat programme, organised at Hejamara under the Simna Assembly constituency.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that public service lies at the heart of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ideology. “Anyone associated with the BJP must stand with the people and work continuously for their welfare,” he said.

He noted that for decades, janajati communities did not receive focused attention for their development. “The present BJP-led government is making consistent efforts to remove misunderstandings and uplift tribal communities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working with deep sincerity for the welfare of tribal people across the country,” Dr. Saha said, extending greetings to the women present at the programme.

Referring to the Mann Ki Baat address, the Chief Minister highlighted the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. “The Prime Minister introduced a health cover of Rs 5 lakh per year for poor families—something unimaginable earlier. Tripura has achieved nearly 100 percent coverage of its initial target of 14 lakh beneficiaries under this scheme,” he said.

He added that to ensure no one is left out, the state government launched the Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana, bringing all residents of Tripura under health insurance coverage. “Tripura is the only state to achieve 100 percent coverage under the Jan Arogya Yojana, made possible by the leadership of Prime Minister Modi,” he said.

Touching upon health awareness, Dr. Saha referred to the Prime Minister’s remarks on cancer. Sharing his personal experience as a cancer survivor, he urged people—especially women—to avoid consuming betel nut with paan, warning that it significantly increases the risk of oral cancer.

On linguistic development, the Chief Minister said the government is making sincere efforts to promote Kokborok, Manipuri, and other minority languages. “Since assuming office, this government has worked for janajati development in ways never done before. Kokborok will be taken to the highest possible level,” he said.

He also addressed the issue of scripts, stating, “If communities like the Chakmas have their own script, there is no reason for us to depend on foreign scripts. If needed, we will use an existing Indian script or develop one of our own.”

Dr. Saha concluded by reiterating Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to tribal development. “Despite challenges, our resolve remains firm. Development of janajatis will continue until the very last mile,” he said.