Tripura CM Dr. Saha emphasized focused planning and effective execution at the 2025-26 Employment Guarantee Council meeting. Highlighting MGNREGA’s role in rural development, the state achieved 3.53 crore person-days of work in FY 2024-25.
The Tripura State Employment Guarantee Council, under the Rural Development Department, held its annual meeting for the financial year 2025-26 on Monday with the primary goal of strengthening the rural economy through sustainable employment of unskilled labor and the creation of durable assets. The meeting took place at Conference Hall No. 2 of the State Secretariat (Mahakaran), with Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha presiding over the session.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Dr. Saha reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to accelerating inclusive development across Tripura, especially in marginal and remote regions. He stressed the importance of focused planning and effective execution of development schemes to ensure their benefits reach every corner of the state.
“In a rural-dominated state like Tripura, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) serves as a crucial tool to empower the rural economy. Our government is working diligently to ensure durable assets are created through this program,” said Dr. Saha.
He added that infrastructure enhancement, road connectivity, and overall socio-economic upliftment of marginalized communities remain top priorities of the state. To implement these development programs effectively, the Chief Minister called for close coordination between district magistrates, block development officers, and elected public representatives.
Dr. Saha highlighted the importance of regular monitoring to ensure the quality of work and urged officials to keep public representatives continuously informed about the progress of various projects. He also advised that any implementation-related issues should be swiftly brought to the notice of the concerned authorities to enable prompt resolutions.
The meeting was attended by key members of the state cabinet including Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, Cooperation Minister Sukla Charan Noatia, and Science and Technology Minister Animesh Debbarma. Several MLAs—Kishore Barman, Antara Sarkar Deb, Swapna Majumdar, Shambhu Lal Chakma, and Mailafru Mog—along with MDC Sanjib Reang, Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, and senior officials from various departments, also participated. District magistrates from all eight districts of the state were present as well.
A comprehensive presentation on MGNREGA’s performance in FY 2024–25 and future strategies was delivered by Additional Secretary of the Rural Development Department, Kuntal Das. According to his report, Tripura currently has 6,94,559 active job card holders under MGNREGA, spread across 8 districts, 58 blocks, and 1,193 gram panchayats and village committees.
The state has achieved the creation of approximately 3.53 crore person-days of employment under MGNREGA during the 2024-25 financial year. In addition to this employment generation, around 5,210 afforestation projects were successfully completed in the same period. These initiatives not only provide livelihoods but also contribute to ecological balance and long-term asset creation.
One of the notable developments shared in the meeting was the inclusion of pineapple cultivation in the approved list of works under MGNREGA. The move is expected to significantly benefit rural farmers and diversify the sources of income for rural households. This initiative has been facilitated through coordination with the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
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Other major points discussed included the need for strict adherence to central government guidelines on land development and asset creation. Emphasis was also laid on the implementation of the SNA-SPARSH system for fund flow and the importance of social audits to maintain transparency and accountability in the execution of rural development programs.
The annual session of the Employment Guarantee Council served not only as a review of past achievements but also as a strategic planning platform for the upcoming financial year. The government’s renewed focus on coordination, transparency, and sustainability marks a significant step toward long-term empowerment of Tripura’s rural economy.
