Agartala, August 18:
A major controversy has erupted in Tripura after MLA Ranjit Debbarma wrote to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) demanding the cancellation of all Scheduled Tribe (ST) benefits for tribal women who marry non-tribal men.
In his letter, Debbarma alleged that several non-tribal (Non-S/T) boys are deliberately marrying tribal girls to exploit government facilities and evade taxes. He claimed that after marriage, these grooms transfer their properties into the names of their tribal wives to gain tax exemptions and government subsidies.
“A considerable number of Non-Tribal boys intentionally are getting marriage with Scheduled Tribe (S/T) girls with a view to escape the legitimate Taxes of the Government. The grooms subsequently shift his property to the name of bride after completion of the wedding ceremony just to avoid the taxes of the Government,” Debbarma wrote.
The MLA further alleged that such marriages have led to misuse of benefits such as government subsidies, land ownership rights in TTAADC (Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council) areas, and exemption from taxes. He pointed out cases where petrol pumps, gas agencies, ration shops, and other businesses were being registered in the names of tribal wives to bypass government taxes.
Calling the practice “alarming,” Debbarma urged the NCST and the state government to immediately stop such marriages between non-tribal men and tribal women and to cancel all ST facilities of women who have already married outside their community.
His letter, copies of which were also sent to the Governor of Tripura, the Chief Minister, and the Tribal Welfare Department, has triggered sharp debate in the state. Critics argue that such a proposal amounts to policing personal choices and violates constitutional rights, while supporters say it is necessary to prevent misuse of tribal privileges meant for genuine beneficiaries.
The controversy is expected to intensify as civil society groups, tribal leaders, and political parties react to Debbarma’s demand in the coming days.
