Agartala, Sep 12: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha emphasized the importance of sincerity and transparency in governance at the grassroots level during the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected members, Sabhadhipati, and Saha-Sabhadhipati of the West Tripura Zilla Parishad. The event was held at the Agartala Town Hall today.
During the ceremony, Balai Goswami was sworn in as Sabhadhipati, and Biswajit Shil took the oath as Saha-Sabhadhipati. The oath was administered by the Secretary of the Rural Development Department, Dr. Sandeep Rathod, while the other newly elected members took their oaths, administered by the Director of the Panchayat Department, Prasun De.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Saha underlined that panchayats are the cornerstone of development in rural areas, serving as the primary platform for implementing various development schemes of the central and state governments. He stressed that it is through panchayats that the benefits of such schemes reach the masses.
“The people have entrusted you with a significant responsibility by electing you to the three-tier Panchayat System. It is now your duty to work for the welfare of the public with complete transparency,” said the Chief Minister. He also urged the newly elected members to adhere to the ‘vocal for local’ initiative championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the need to utilize local resources for the development of villages.
Chief Minister Saha highlighted the provisions for honorariums and allowances for the Sabhadhipati, Saha-Sabhadhipati, and members of the Standing Committee to ensure transparency in governance. Similar provisions exist for members of the Panchayat Samiti and Gram Panchayat.
The Chief Minister also mentioned the launch of the ‘Aamar Sarkar’ portal, aimed at strengthening the Panchayati Raj System in the state. He proudly referred to the various national awards and honors that the state has received in the Panchayati Raj sector from 2018 to 2023, which he believes reflect the success of the government.
The oath-taking program was attended by several dignitaries, including Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation Dipak Majumder, MLA Kishore Barman, MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, and DM-West Dr. Vishal Kumar. The newly elected Sabhadhipati of West Tripura Zilla Parishad, Balai Goswami, delivered the vote of thanks.
The newly sworn-in officials now carry the hopes of the people to work towards the development of their communities with dedication and integrity.
