Agartala, May 16: The Central Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the formation of an additional battalion for the Tripura State Rifles (TSR), bringing the total number of battalions in the state to 16.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of Tripura, the Ministry stated that the central government will provide a one-time financial assistance of ₹50 crore for the establishment of this new battalion under the Indian Reserve category.
The letter also mentioned that the central government will reimburse actual expenses incurred for the development of infrastructure, including the battalion headquarters and related facilities, with a maximum limit of ₹30 crore. However, the cost of land will not be reimbursed, as the state government is required to provide land free of charge for the new battalion.
Additionally, the Ministry outlined that reimbursements will only be processed upon submission of utilization certificates, along with all necessary documents and details, as per general financial rules.
The Ministry has set eight conditions that the Tripura government must strictly adhere to during the formation of the new TSR battalion.
With this new approval, the total number of the Tripura State Rifles will increase to 16 battalions, of which 13 are classified as Indian Reserve Battalions. These battalions can be deployed anywhere in the country as needed for security, elections, law and order, and anti-terrorism operations.
Currently, two TSR battalions, comprising around 2,000 personnel (including officers), are deployed outside Tripura. One battalion has been stationed in the national capital under the Delhi Police since 2019, while the other has been deployed in Chhattisgarh with South Eastern Coalfields Limited since 2022.
In addition to deployments in Delhi and Chhattisgarh, one TSR battalion is currently providing specialized security at drilling sites of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation in Tripura.
During the Lok Sabha elections held from April 19 to June 1, 2024, TSR personnel were deployed for election security in Maharashtra, Bihar, Odisha, and Himachal Pradesh.
Beyond providing security during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, the Indian Reserve Battalions of the Tripura State Rifles have ensured election security across nearly every state in the country during assembly and Lok Sabha elections over the years.
Recently, 10 companies of the Tripura State Rifles were dispatched for election-related duties in Assam and West Bengal.
Trained in counter-terrorism operations, the personnel of the Tripura State Rifles have earned a strong reputation for professionalism and operational efficiency. They have played a crucial role in controlling and mitigating the insurgency that has persisted in Tripura for over four decades, contributing significantly to restoring peace and stability in the northeastern state.
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