Tripura, a state in northeastern India, has taken significant steps towards strengthening grassroots governance by declaring all Panchayats disability-friendly and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong for leadership training.
Chief Minister Manik Saha made the announcement on May 3 during an event marking National Panchayat Day at Gram Swaraj Bhawan in A.D. Nagar, Agartala. He proudly stated that Tripura has risen to the 7th position in the Panchayat Devolution Index, showcasing the state’s commitment to empowering local governance.
“We have set an example in the country by ensuring that all Panchayats are disability-friendly. Our focus is on the holistic development of all individuals, including Divyangjans,” CM Saha said.
The MoU with IIM Shillong aims to provide advanced training in leadership and management for Panchayat officials, further enhancing Panchayati governance in the state.
CM Saha emphasized the importance of action over words, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of village development as a crucial component of national progress. He praised the Modi government for kickstarting the real development of Panchayati Raj post-2014.
Underlining recent infrastructure growth, Dr. Saha highlighted the establishment of 44 new Panchayat Bhavans, four District Panchayat Resource Centres, and eight Panchayat Learning Centres in the past two years. He stressed that rural development remains a top priority for Tripura, urging officials and elected representatives to continue their efforts in uplifting rural communities.
The Chief Minister also commended award-winning Panchayat representatives for their contributions and encouraged them to inspire others to follow suit. Tripura’s commitment to inclusive governance and continuous improvement in Panchayat systems sets a positive example for other states in India.
