Lok Sabha Question No. 1849 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-19
Subject: Bru Tribe in Tripura
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Pradyut Bordoloi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 1849

TO BE ANSWERED ON- 19/12/2022

## BRU TRIBE IN TRIPURA

## 1849. SHRI PRADYUT BORDOLOI:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has assessed the number of members of the Bru Tribe currently present in Tripura, if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  the  details  of  the  current  status  of  resettlement  of  the  Bru  Tribe  in  Tripura,  including  timeline  for completion, number of people resettled and pending resettlement;
- (c) the details of the process of resettlement including facilities and welfare measures provided;
- (d) the details of the utilization of the 661 crore package announced by the Central Government to fund the resettlement process of the Bru Tribe in Tripura;
- (e) the details of the number and location of permanent resettlement sites identified;
- (f)  whether the Government has assessed the land suitability of permanent resettlement sites including availability of water pipelines, drainage system, durability against disaster, vehicle connectivity and if so, the details thereof; and
- (g)  whether  the  Government  is  taking  any  steps  to  create  employment  opportunities  for  resettled  Bru Tribe members and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SMT. RENUKA SINGH SARUTA)

(a): Ministry  of  Home  Affairs  has  informed  that  a  Bru  agreement  was  signed  on  16.01.2020 between  Government  of  India,  Government  of  Tripura  and  Government  of  Mizoram  and  Bru representatives. For the purpose of implementation of this agreement, a total number of 6959 Bru displaced families were identified for re-settlement in various locations in Tripura.

- (b): Ministry of Home Affairs has informed in this regard that the timeline for resettlement of Bru displaced families in re-settlement locations under the Bru agreement 16.01.2020 has been extended upto 28.02.2023. As per information dated 15.12.2022 from Tripura Government, a total of 2583 families have shifted to re-settlement locations after construction of houses.

(c): As per the rehabilitation package mentioned in said agreement dated 16.01.2020, the re-settled families are to be given one time financial assistance of Rs. 4 lakh, a piece of land measuring 30'x 40', house building assistance of Rs. 1.5 lakh, monthly cash assistance of Rs. 5000 for two years from date of shifting, free ration for two years from date of shifting and other benefits as admissible to any citizen under any Centrally/Centrally sponsored schemes.

(d): As informed by Government of Tripura, year wise fund received and Utilization are as given below:

(Rs. in crore)

| Year    |   Fund received as on 15.12.2022 |   Fund utilized |
|---------|----------------------------------|-----------------|
| 2020-21 |                           140    |          135.56 |
| 2021-22 |                           130.12 |          110.06 |
| 2022-23 |                            62.4  |           62.4  |
| Total:  |                           332.52 |          308.02 |

(e): Ministry of Home Affairs has informed that as per information from Government of Tripura a total  of  twelve  (12)  resettlement  locations  in  four  (4)  districts  have  been  identified.  They  are Bongaphapara, Haduklaupara and Ultacherra in Dhalai district; Kaskaupara,WainbukcherraRanipara, Bhandarima-Pushporampara, Hamsapara, Gachirampara and Ashapara in North Tripura; West Kalajhari and Silachara in Gomti District; Kala Lawlang in South District.

(f): Government  of  Tripura  has  informed  that,  State  Government  has  selected  all  the  permanent resettlement  locations  in  consultation  with  the  Representatives  of  Bru  Organizations  followed  by joint  site  visit  along  with  Public  Representatives,  District  Administration  and  other  Officials.  In every location, various Common Development activities like Land Development, Road Connectivity, Creation of Drinking Water Sources, Extension of Power / Solar Light, construction of School, AWC and Health care facilities are being undertaken on priority basis.

(g): Government  of  Tripura  has  informed  that  as  per  the  agreement,  resettled  Bru  families  are entitled to the benefits of all Centrally / State Sponsored Schemes including MGNREGA Job card facilities.  Government  has  taken  steps  for  imparting  various  Skill  Development  training  for employment generation to the resettled Bru families.

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