Tripura’s Digital Panchayat Initiative Earns National Recognition, Wins Seven Awards

Agartala, Mar 07, 2025, By Our Correspondent28

The Panchayati Raj system has been a driving force behind Tripura’s development, earning national recognition for its efficiency and governance. The state has received seven National Panchayati Raj Awards, highlighting its significant achievements at the Panchayat level. With approximately 2.5 lakh Panchayats across the country, Tripura’s distinction reflects its commitment to grassroots governance and digital transformation.

Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha underscored the importance of the Panchayati Raj system while inaugurating a state-level award ceremony and computer distribution program at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala. The event was organized by the Rural Development (Panchayat) Department to recognize top-performing Panchayats and promote the use of technology in governance.

Digital Governance Strengthens Tripura’s Panchayati Raj System

During the event, Chief Minister Saha emphasized that information technology has become essential in the modern era. The government is focused on establishing a “Digital Panchayat, Strong Panchayat” by integrating e-governance solutions in local administration. Every Panchayat in the state is now connected to the e-office system, facilitating seamless financial transactions through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) and enabling online Panchayat planning and management. These initiatives align with the Prime Minister’s “Digital India” vision, making Tripura a model state in Panchayati Raj administration.

The Chief Minister further highlighted the transformation of the Panchayati Raj system under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He noted that since 2018, Tripura has made unprecedented progress, with new initiatives ensuring public participation in local governance through the “People’s Plan Campaign.”

Tripura Ranks Among Top States in Panchayat Devolution Index

The central government evaluates the progress of states through the Panchayat Devolution Index every 8 to 10 years. This year, Tripura secured the 7th position among the top 10 states, a testament to its robust Panchayat system. Dr. Saha urged public representatives to adopt sustainable development plans and work towards making all Panchayats child-friendly and women-friendly.

Additionally, the “Amar Sarkar” portal, launched to address public grievances, received high praise from Prime Minister Modi. Inspired by Tripura’s success, other states are now planning to implement similar portals to improve service delivery.

Empowering Panchayats with Technology and Training

To enhance digital governance, 475 Panchayats across Tripura are being provided with computers for administrative tasks. Additionally, training programs are being conducted to upskill Panchayat representatives and employees. Recently, 361 Panchayat Executive Officers were recruited to streamline Panchayat operations and improve the implementation of various government schemes.

Panchayat Department Secretary Abhishek Singh emphasized that Tripura’s Panchayati Raj system is entering a new era of progress. He stressed the importance of maintaining this momentum to achieve long-term sustainable development.

National Award-Winning Panchayats Honored

During the ceremony, Panchayats that excelled at the national level were recognized. Award-winning Panchayats included:

• Gomati District

• Amar Pur Panchayat Samiti

• Thakchhara Gram Panchayat (Amar Pur Block)

• Rajkang Village Committee

• Debbari Gram Panchayat

• South Manubankul Village Committee (Rupaichhari Block)

• Betachhara Gram Panchayat (Kumarghat Block)

Several other Panchayats received awards for outstanding performance at the state level.

The Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sustainable Development Award was presented to 27 Gram Panchayats and ADC Villages. Additionally, the Nanaji Deshmukh Best Panchayat Sustainable Development Award was awarded at the district and block levels to:

• Gomati District, West District, and TTADC

• Amar Pur Panchayat Samiti, Padmabil Block Advisory Committee, and Dukli Panchayat Samiti

Tripura Strengthens Panchayati Raj System with Digital Initiatives

Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, along with other dignitaries, handed over the awards to representatives of districts, blocks, Panchayat Samitis, Panchayats, and village committees. As part of the state’s digital governance drive, he inaugurated the State Panchayat Resource Center website and launched a program to distribute computer sets to 475 Panchayats through a virtual ceremony.

The event witnessed the presence of Zilla Parishad chairpersons from all eight districts, along with Prasun De, Director of the Rural Development (Panchayat) Department. The government’s continued focus on e-governance, transparency, and technological integration aims to strengthen Tripura’s Panchayati Raj system as a model of excellence in the country.