‘Vartalap’ programme held at Agartala Press Club, emphasis on awareness and participation of all

A ‘Vartalap’ programme was organized highlighting the importance of awareness and participation of all in the journey towards inclusive welfare for achieving the goal of a Viksit Bharat.

The programme was held in the conference hall of Agartala Press Club with the objective of increasing public awareness about various important social welfare initiatives of the country.

In this programme organised by the Press Information Bureau, the main focus of discussion was on “Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)”, “Empowerment of Women and Children”, “Nasha Mukt Bharat (NMBA)” and “150 Years of Vande Mataram”.

Among the distinguished guests and speakers, Brigadier Nishant Chandel, DIG of the Headquarters of 21 Sector Assam Rifles, spoke first. He stressed the need for participation of all and social awareness to achieve the goal of “Nasha Mukt Bharat (NMBA)” and said that it is necessary to understand the network of addiction. Drugs and addiction are an international conspiracy to destroy a nation, especially by crippling its youth power. Therefore, everyone must remain alert about this issue. Parents, in particular, must be careful when children are still young. Children must be given time and attention. Overall participation must begin from within the home itself.

West Tripura Additional District Magistrate and Collector, Asit Kumar Das, spoke on the topic “ (VB-G RAM-G)”. Shri Das said that there were several challenges in the MGNREGA introduced in 2005, which have been addressed and modified under the present VB-G-RAM-G. He stated that under this law-considered the world’s largest employment-providing scheme-earlier there was a provision to provide a maximum of 100 days of work, which has now been increased to 125 days under the new law.

Earlier, there was a provision to disburse wages to workers once every 15 days; under the new law, wages will be paid within 7 days. In addition, many technological and new features have been incorporated into the scheme. Under VB-G RAM G, workers will have to record attendance through biometric authentication, and real-time monitoring will be carried out, which did not exist earlier. As a result, transparency will increase and significantly more assets will be created.

Das further informed that under the VB-G RAM G Act, fund allocation for most of the states of the country will be in a 60:40 ratio, meaning 60 percent of the funds will be provided by the Central Government and the remaining 40 percent by the State Government. However, for Tripura and other North-Eastern states, the fund allocation will be in a 90:10 ratio respectively.

Deputy Commissioner, Department of Social Welfare and Social Education, government of Tripura, Achintya Kilikdar, emphasized the active participation of people from all sections of society in achieving a Nasha Mukt Bharat. He said that although various government departments are taking different initiatives and steps, this goal cannot be achieved without creating widespread awareness in society. He particularly stressed the need to increase awareness among children and called upon parents to act as a protective wall to keep children safe from addiction.

Member of the Tripura Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Smt. Chameli Saha, spoke on “Empowerment of Women and Children” and said that for the real progress of the country, it is essential to keep women and children healthy and safe and ensure them a life of dignity. She said that child marriage, dowry system, domestic violence and workplace harassment push society backward.

Assistant Director, Department of Information and Cultural Affairs of Tripura, Debashish Lodh, spoke on “150 Years of Vande Mataram”. Referring to the context in which Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote the novel ‘Anandamath’, he said that this song strengthened the spirit and aspirations of the freedom movement. Centered around this song, people became inspired to participate in the freedom struggle. He also mentioned the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of the completion of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’.

Finally, President of Agartala Press Club, Pranab Sarkar, while discussing the essence of these issues, said that in the journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047, gradual progress is now visible in various fields. All of us must actively participate in this journey from our respective positions. From building a drug-free society to ensuring women’s safety, everyone must continue to contribute as much as possible in every sphere through collective efforts, we will surely be able to achieve the goal of a Viksit Bharat.

Journalists and photojournalists from various media organizations of Agartala, along with other individuals, were present at the ‘Vartalap’ discussion. They appreciated the initiative of the Agartala branch of the Press Information Bureau for organising such discussion programmes.