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Title: Need to extend the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme to North Tripura District, Tripura.
SHRI KHAGEN DAS (TRIPURA-WEST): Tripura is one of the most remotely located States in the country with 66% of the population living below the poverty line. Under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), out of the total 330 districts covered, 3 (three) districts in Tripura have been covered so far but the North Tripura district which has a significant BPL and Tribal population is yet to be covered. The rural population of the North Tripura district is more than 5 (five) lakh and do not have any secured means of livelihood. Because of geographical isolation most of the economic and industrial activities in the remote NE states are uncompetitive and the vulnerable population in these states has to depend on the schemes such as REGA for their livelihood. I would, therefore, urge Government of India to immediately extend NREGA to North Tripura district so as to provide the much needed safety for the poor and vulnerable population living in this remote district of the of the remotest state of the Country.