Agartala, March 8: The Panchayati Raj system has been playing a crucial role in Tripura’s overall development. The state has earned a remarkable position in the country’s Panchayati Raj system, securing seven National Panchayati Raj Awards in recognition of its successful implementation of rural development projects.
Speaking at the State-Level Award Distribution Ceremony and Computer Distribution Program organized by the Rural Development (Panchayat) Department at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha stated that Tripura’s consistent development has led to national recognition, with several state panchayats being awarded among 2.5 lakh panchayats in India.
Digital Governance for Strengthening Panchayats
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of technology in governance and said that the government’s vision is to build ‘Digital Panchayat, Strong Panchayat.’ He highlighted that: • The government is prioritizing e-governance for efficient financial transactions, record-keeping, and planning. • To align with PM Narendra Modi’s Digital India vision, all panchayats in Tripura have been integrated into the e-office system. • PFMS (Public Financial Management System) has been implemented in all panchayats for transparent financial transactions. • The Panchayat planning process is now digitally recorded on online portals.
He noted that Tripura has emerged as a role model in Panchayati Raj governance across the country due to its structured approach and effective management.
Tripura Ranks 7th in National Panchayat Devolution Index
CM Manik Saha pointed out that under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s Panchayati Raj system has undergone massive transformations. He mentioned that the government has introduced the ‘People’s Plan Campaign’ (Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan) to ensure greater public participation in Panchayat governance.
Highlighting Tripura’s achievements, he said:
• Since 2018, the state has witnessed unprecedented growth in Panchayati Raj governance. • The Central Government reviews the Panchayat Devolution Index every 8-10 years, and Tripura has ranked 7th among the top 10 states in the country this year. • He urged elected representatives to play an active role in strengthening Panchayats and making them child-friendly and women-friendly.
‘Amar Sarkar’ Portal Gains National Recognition
The Chief Minister also spoke about the ‘Amar Sarkar’ portal, launched in Tripura to address citizens’ grievances efficiently. The initiative has been highly appreciated at the Chief Minister’s Conclave, and many states are now planning to replicate it.
To enhance service delivery and governance, the state government has: • Provided computers to 475 Panchayats for better digital operations. • Conducted training programs to improve the efficiency of Panchayat representatives and staff. • Recently appointed 361 Panchayat Executive Officers to strengthen Panchayat administration.
Panchayats Honored with National Awards
Speaking at the event, Panchayat Department Secretary Abhishek Singh said that Tripura is entering a new era of Panchayati Raj governance. He emphasized the need to maintain this momentum of development.
At the ceremony, several Panchayats and Village Committees that have achieved national recognition were felicitated, including: • Gomati District • Amarpur Panchayat Samiti • Thakchara Gram Panchayat (Amarpur Block) • Rajkang Village Committee • Debbari Gram Panchayat • Dakshin Manubankul Village Committee (Rupaichari Block) • Betachhara Gram Panchayat (Kumarghat Block) Additionally, 27 Gram Panchayats and ADC Villages were awarded the Deendayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar. The Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar was given to: • Gomati District, West Tripura District, and TTAADC (district level) • Amarpur Panchayat Samiti, Padmabil Block Advisory Committee, and Dukli Panchayat Samiti (block level) The Chief Minister and other dignitaries handed over the awards to representatives of various districts, blocks, Panchayat Samitis, Panchayats, and Village Committees. During the event, CM Manik Saha also launched the State Panchayat Resource Center website virtually and inaugurated the computer distribution program for 475 Panchayats. The event was attended by Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipatis from all eight districts, along with Director of the Rural Development (Panchayat) Department, Prasun Dey.
