Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Thursday said the state government is committed to empower Panchayats for driving sustainable development and improving the lives of citizens.

Dr Saha said this while inaugurating the state-level workshop of the 'People's Plan Campaign-2024' under the theme 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' at PRTI Hall, A.D. Nagar.

“This initiative aims to strengthen our three-tier Panchayat system, making it more efficient, transparent, and people-centric. We are dedicated to empowering Panchayats to drive sustainable development and enhance the quality of life for our citizens,” he said.

He emphasized the implementation of various flagship schemes of the Central and State Governments through the three-tier Panchayat system.

“The overall development of the country is not possible without the development of rural areas. The state government, guided by the Prime Minister's vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas, is diligently working for the welfare of the people,” Dr Saha added and  mentioned that such workshops are organized annually.

“This year, the special campaign was launched on Mahatma Gandhi's birthday on October 2 and will continue until March 2025. Its primary objective is to formulate development plans in rural areas. Priority is being given to strengthening work at the Panchayat level through discussions with village-level representatives, starting from the district president. Key areas of focus include eradicating poverty, achieving zero hunger, ensuring good health and well-being, promoting gender equality, providing clean water and sanitation, and encouraging the use of affordable and green energy,” he said.

The Chief Minister stressed that public representatives should have a comprehensive understanding of various flagship projects of the central and state governments to facilitate effective implementation.

“A significant amount of work has been accomplished at the Panchayat level in recent years. We must strive to do even better in the future,” Dr Saha remarked.

The workshop was attended by West Tripura Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Balai Goswami, North Tripura Zilla Sabhadhipati Aparna Nath, Unakoti Zilla Sabhadhipati Amlendu Das, Dhalai Zilla Sabhadhipati Sushmita Das, Khowai Zilla Sabhadhipati Aparna Singh Roy Dutta, Sepahijala Zilla Sabhadhipati Supriya Das Dutta, Secretary of RD Sandeep Rathore, Director Prasun Dey, and other public representatives and administrative officers.