By Tripura24 News Desk | Agartala Wednesday, February 11, 2026
AGARTALA (Swami Vivekananda Maidan): In a landmark event that signals a new era for rural Tripura, Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today inaugurated the state-level Public Representatives’ Conference and officially launched the Viksit Bharat–G RAM G (Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin) Act, 2025.
The event, held at a packed Astabal Ground, saw the participation of the state’s top leadership, including Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, MP Biplab Kumar Deb, and Panchayat Minister Shri Kishor Barman.
Inauguration of 179 Rural Projects
During the ceremony, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 179 rural development projects with a total financial outlay of ₹546.79 crore. These projects, executed under the Rural Development Department and the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM), focus on:
- Infrastructure: New all-weather roads covering over 350 km and bridge projects.
- Livelihood: Disbursement of ₹103.84 crore to strengthen Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the state.
- Asset Creation: Construction of new Panchayat Bhavans and community halls.
The Shift from MGNREGA to G RAM G Act
The highlight of the day was the formal introduction of the VB-G RAM G Act 2025, which replaces the MGNREGA framework.
- Increased Work Guarantee: The Minister announced that the new Act increases the guaranteed wage employment from 100 days to 125 days per financial year.
- Strategic Focus: Unlike the scattered works of the past, the new scheme prioritizes water security, climate-resilient assets, and livelihood infrastructure.
- Direct Empowerment: CM Dr. Manik Saha highlighted that work schedules would now be determined directly through Gram Sabhas to ensure local needs are met.
“Tripura is leading the way in rural empowerment. With the G RAM G Act, we are not just providing jobs; we are building the foundation of a ‘Viksit Tripura’ as part of the Prime Minister’s vision for 2047,” Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated.
Felicitation of Beneficiaries
The Ministers also participated in a Beneficiary Felicitation Ceremony, where high-performing “Lakhpati Didis” and successful rural entrepreneurs were honored. Shri Chouhan praised the women of Tripura for their role in the state’s economic growth, noting that the TRLM has been instrumental in lifting thousands of families out of poverty.
Dignitaries Present
The conference was attended by a galaxy of leaders, including:
- Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, Hon’ble Chief Minister.
- Shri Biplab Kumar Deb, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha).
- Shri Kishor Barman, Hon’ble Minister for Panchayat Department.
- Shri Ratan Lal Nath, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
- Shri Pranajit Singha Roy, Hon’ble Finance Minister.
- Shri Rajib Bhattacharya, MP & BJP State President.
Panchayat Minister Kishor Barman, who presided over the event, called it a “historic day,” noting that the convergence of technology and rural labor under the new Act would eliminate previous structural weaknesses and ensure transparent wage payments.
The event concluded with a pledge by the gathered Panchayat representatives to ensure the “saturation” of all central and state welfare schemes in their respective villages.
