Agartala, Nov 29 (ANI): Situated in West Tripura, Barkathal village is home to Jamatia tribe and other non tribal people. The now peaceful village was once a hotbed of militancy in the region.
The decline in militancy in the northeast has given a boost to the development intiatives here. The combined efforts of the government and local people have brought such change in Barakthal village of Tripura as well.
Farming which has been the main occupation of the villagers of Barkathal are now shifting from Jhum cultivation to regular farming.
Apart from farming, villagers have also taken up rubber cultivation, piggery and weaving as a means of earning a livelihood.
"I work in the rubber plantation and earn enough to meet the needs of my family and educate my children. I enjoy my work very much," said Jahar Debbarma, a rubber cultivator.
"Earlier, there were mud roads but now they are well constructed. This is of great help to us. Now vehicles regularly drive in and out of our village and we can bring commodities in for sale. We are getting the bonus of peace as there is no insurgency here," said Phoni Debbarma, another rubber cultivator.
The villagers have also taken advantage of the Central government programme of MGNREGA getting them employment and building additional infrastructure required for the village.
Another impact due to the decrease in militancy is that children have resumed their normal classes.
The government is encouraging every child to attend classes by providing facilities like mid-day meals, free books and stationery.ith the implementation of centrally sponsored 'Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan' Scheme, the school infrastructure too has improved. Currently, there are nearly 600 students in the village school.
"The dropout rate has reduced as students want to come to school as they get many facilities here," said Akhil Debbarma, a teacher.
Such transformation has made the village of Barkathal an example for the entire northeast encouraging other villages to follow in their footsteps. (ANI)
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