Daijiworld Media Network - Agartala
Agartala, May 16: In a major boost to Tripura’s security infrastructure, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the creation of an additional battalion of the Tripura State Rifles (TSR), increasing the total number of battalions in the force to 16.
According to official communication sent to the Tripura Chief Secretary, the newly sanctioned unit will be raised under the India Reserve Battalion category. The Centre has assured a one-time financial grant of Rs 50 crore to support the establishment of the battalion.
In addition to this grant, the Union Home Ministry has agreed to reimburse infrastructure-related expenses, including the construction of the battalion headquarters and associated facilities, up to a maximum limit of Rs 30 crore. However, the state government will have to provide land for the battalion free of cost, as land acquisition expenses will not be covered under the reimbursement policy.
The Ministry also clarified that all reimbursements would be released only after the Tripura government submits utilisation certificates and supporting documents in line with the General Financial Rules. The Centre has reportedly laid down eight mandatory conditions that the state must follow while setting up the new battalion.
With this latest approval, Tripura State Rifles will now have 16 battalions in total, including 13 classified as India Reserve Battalions. These reserve units can be deployed anywhere in the country for election duties, anti-insurgency operations, law-and-order management, and other security assignments as directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Currently, two TSR battalions with nearly 2,000 personnel are serving outside the state. One battalion has been deployed with the Delhi Police since 2019, while another has been stationed in Chhattisgarh with South Eastern Coalfields Limited since 2022.
Apart from these assignments, another TSR battalion is engaged in providing security at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation drilling sites within Tripura.
The force has also played an active role in election security across India. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, TSR personnel were deployed in Maharashtra, Bihar, Odisha, and Himachal Pradesh. Recently, 10 companies of TSR were sent to Assam and West Bengal for poll-related duties.
Recognised for their expertise in counter-insurgency operations, TSR personnel have built a reputation for discipline, professionalism, and operational excellence. The force played a pivotal role in tackling insurgency in Tripura, significantly contributing to peace and stability in the state after decades of militancy.