Inauguration of the State-based Panchayat Awards 2026-27
AGARTALA: Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha attached importance to positive changes in people's lives as a measure of development and highlighted the need for initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of people from all sections. He asserted that approximately 80% of the state's panchayats have emerged as national frontrunners across various parameters.
During the inauguration of the State-based Panchayat Awards 2026-27 at Gram Swaraj Bhavan in Agartala Friday.
Dr Saha stated that the Panchayat Department is progressing well, as evidenced by recent all-India awards for their work at the Panchayat level. He reiterated the necessity of strengthening panchayats to promote development, particularly since 75% of the state's area and population reside in rural and panchayat regions. He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on making panchayats self-reliant and integrating technology into their operations, underscoring that without rural development, a fully developed India by 2047 is unattainable.
The Chief Minister remarked that the past leadership had focused on urban development, neglecting villages, but collective efforts can facilitate rural advancement. The program saw the presentation of 51 awards for various achievements, with Tripura gaining national recognition.
Noteworthy among the accolades are the Sepahijala district as the best district, Kanchanbari Gram Panchayat as the healthiest Panchayat and Baikunthapur Village Committee as a women-friendly Panchayat. Bijaynagar Gram Panchayat has also won the National e-Governance Award for two consecutive years, showcasing innovative practices such as the Boutique Panchayat system, he stated.
Dr Saha acknowledged the increasing recognition of Tripura on the national stage, attributing this to collective efforts and calling for heightened responsibility to improve the quality of life for all residents. He marked the government's partnership with citizens as vital for democracy, reinforcing that true success is reflected in the well-being of the underprivileged.
He concluded by celebrating Tripura's achievements, as the highest-scoring Gram Panchayats, blocks and districts in the country are from the state showcasing the collaborative efforts of the administration and the community.