Panchayat – Tripura Highlights Rural Progress Through State Panchayat Awards Ceremony
Panchayat –Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has said that meaningful development is measured by the positive impact it creates in people’s lives, stressing that improving the socio-economic conditions of every section of society should remain a top priority.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday underlined the importance of empowering rural communities while inaugurating the State-based Panchayat Awards 2026-27 programme at Gram Swaraj Bhavan in AD Nagar. Addressing the gathering, he said that local self-governance institutions have earned the confidence of people and are playing an increasingly important role in the state’s development journey.
Focus on strengthening rural governance
The Chief Minister said that nearly three-fourths of Tripura’s geographical area and population are linked to villages and panchayat regions, making rural development central to the state’s overall progress. He noted that stronger panchayats are essential for achieving long-term growth and said efforts should continue to make these institutions more capable, self-reliant, and technology-driven.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Saha said village development is a necessary foundation for achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047. He added that integrating technology into panchayat administration can improve governance and public service delivery.
National recognition for Tripura’s achievements
Highlighting the state’s recent accomplishments, the Chief Minister said Tripura has received several honours at the national level for its performance in rural governance. According to him, these recognitions reflect the dedication of local bodies, government officials, elected representatives, and residents working together.
He said Sepahijala district has been recognised as the country’s best-performing district under the relevant evaluation parameters. Kanchanbari Gram Panchayat has received recognition as India’s Best Healthy Panchayat, while Baikunthapur Village Committee has been honoured for its women-friendly initiatives.
Bijaynagar Panchayat earns consecutive honour
Saha also praised Bijaynagar Gram Panchayat under Mohanpur block for receiving the National e-Governance Award for the second consecutive year. He described the achievement as a significant milestone, saying it demonstrates the state’s commitment to innovation in rural administration.
The Chief Minister pointed out that Bijaynagar has introduced the Boutique Panchayat concept, calling it a unique initiative that has distinguished the panchayat at the national level. He said such innovative practices showcase how local governance can evolve through creative ideas and effective implementation.
Development should improve people’s quality of life
Speaking about the broader goal of governance, Saha said awards and recognition also bring greater responsibility. He urged officials and local representatives to continue working with dedication so that development directly benefits people across the state.
According to him, improving living standards should remain the ultimate objective of every development programme. He said special attention must be given to strengthening the socio-economic condition of people from every background, particularly those at the grassroots level. Real success, he added, is achieved when development brings visible improvements to the lives of ordinary citizens.
Collective efforts behind state’s progress
The Chief Minister credited Tripura’s achievements to coordinated efforts involving government departments, administrative officials, elected representatives, employees, and the public. He said democracy functions best when the government and citizens work together with a shared commitment to development.
Saha also noted that around 80 per cent of Tripura’s panchayats have emerged among the country’s leading performers across multiple assessment parameters. He said the state has produced some of India’s highest-scoring gram panchayats, development blocks, and districts, reflecting sustained progress in rural governance.
The State-based Panchayat Awards 2026-27 ceremony was attended by Panchayat Minister Kishor Barman, Rural Development Department Secretary Abhishek Singh, Panchayat Department Director Prasun Dey, along with several senior government officials and other distinguished guests.