Tripura TSF Slams Unchecked Clubs Over Forced Durga Puja Donations on Vulnerable Students

The festive season of Durga Puja, meant to be a period of joy and cultural celebration, has unfortunately brought with it a shadow of concern in Tripura, as the Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF) has sounded the alarm over aggressive and unethical financial demands. The student body has initiated a robust protest against local clubs and various puja committees accused of compelling students, particularly those residing in Agartala for studies, to hand over substantial sums of money under the guise of puja subscriptions. This systemic issue of forced Durga Puja donations has become a critical point of contention, challenging the voluntary spirit of religious contributions and placing a severe economic burden on the student population.

The TSF leaders, in a decisive move, submitted a formal deputation to the Additional Superintendent of Police, Dhruba Nath, demanding immediate and firm administrative intervention. The Federation’s message is clear: while respecting the cultural and religious sanctity of the festival, the coercive financial pressure being exerted on students must cease immediately. This act of protest highlights a worrying trend where community enthusiasm seemingly overrides individual financial capacity and fundamental rights.

TSF Seeks Action Against Coercion for Forced Durga Puja Donations

The Twipra Students’ Federation has meticulously documented their grievances and presented them to the police administration, emphasizing the gravity of the situation that many students face daily.

• Formal Deputation: On a recent Thursday, TSF representatives submitted a comprehensive deputation to the Additional SP, urging the immediate implementation of measures to halt the compulsory collection drives being run by various local organizations.
• Targeting Vulnerable Students: The Federation pointed out that a large number of affected students hail from remote areas of the state and are currently staying in Agartala solely for their education. Many come from ordinary or economically weaker families, making the “hefty amounts” demanded for subscriptions entirely unsustainable.
• Mental and Economic Distress: The constant pressure and financial demands related to forced Durga Puja donations are reportedly leading to significant mental anguish and economic hardship for these young individuals, diverting funds crucial for their education and daily living expenses.
• Upholding Voluntary Contribution: TSF clarified that their protest is not against the Durga Puja itself, which they deeply respect. Their stance is rooted in ethics: contributing to any cultural or religious event should be completely voluntary. The organization asserts that if someone wishes to donate even a minimal amount like ₹10, no club should object, nor should anyone be forced to pay a higher subscription. The core principle of free will is being violated.

The Unchecked Violation of Directives on Forced Durga Puja Donations

A major point of concern raised by the TSF is the blatant disregard for public announcements made by the highest levels of state government.

• Chief Minister’s Stance Ignored: TSF expressed deep dismay that these compulsory collections are ongoing despite a specific public announcement by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha. The Chief Minister had explicitly stated that no club or organization is permitted to force any individual to pay for puja donations.
• Failure of Enforcement: The continued practice suggests a significant lapse in enforcement and monitoring by local police and administrative units. TSF believes that the clubs are operating with impunity, taking advantage of the students’ vulnerability and fear of repercussions if they refuse to pay the forced Durga Puja donations.
• A Call for Accountability: The student body is essentially calling the administration to account, demanding to know why the Chief Minister’s clear, high-level directive is not being translated into on-ground compliance and protection for citizens, particularly the state’s student community. The lack of adherence undermines public trust in the administration’s capacity to regulate such public activities.
• Safeguarding Students’ Rights: The TSF is appealing for the administration to re-issue strict directives to all police stations and concerned offices. These directives must ensure full compliance with the state’s orders and, crucially, safeguard the students’ inherent right to make contributions on a purely voluntary basis, free from intimidation or compulsion regarding these forced Durga Puja donations. This measure is vital for restoring peace of mind to hundreds of students in the capital city.

The situation has escalated into a moral and administrative crisis, pitting the tradition of public festivals against the economic rights and dignity of vulnerable youth. The TSF’s proactive stance has placed the ball firmly in the court of the Tripura administration, which is now expected to demonstrate its commitment to enforcing the law and protecting its student population from exploitative practices related to forced Durga Puja Donations. The outcome of this confrontation will likely set a precedent for how community-led events are regulated in the state going forward, particularly concerning mandatory subscriptions. It is a critical test of the administration’s ability to balance cultural celebration with financial equity.

Conclusion: A Test for Administrative Resolve

The firm position taken by the Tripura Students’ Federation against the unethical practice of compelling students to make forced Durga Puja donations underscores a broader issue of regulatory oversight during festive periods. The TSF’s demand for immediate and decisive action is a call for the government to step up and ensure that the sanctity of voluntary contribution is maintained, protecting the financially constrained students who form the backbone of the state’s future. The public awaits a robust response from the authorities to put an end to this exploitative practice.