Tripura Receives ₹157 Crore from 15th Finance Commission for FY 2024–25; CM Highlights Panchayati Raj Achievements and Future Plans
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday announced that the state has received ₹157 crore from the 15th Finance Commission for the financial year 2024–25. Speaking at the state-level celebration of National Panchayati Raj Day held at A.D. Nagar, Agartala, Dr. Saha said the funds are being systematically allocated across various administrative levels, including panchayats and village councils, to strengthen grassroots governance and development.
In a major declaration during the event, the Chief Minister announced that all panchayats across the state have now been made disability-friendly. He emphasized the state government’s commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of physical ability, can access public services and participate actively in local governance.
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As part of the program, Dr. Saha also unveiled the latest monthly edition of the Panchayat department’s newsletter ‘Gram Srijan’ and the department’s annual report. These publications aim to improve transparency, share success stories from across the state, and serve as a knowledge-sharing platform for various stakeholders involved in rural development.
Reiterating the state’s alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), Dr. Saha underlined that the upliftment of rural India is at the core of this transformative mission. He said that Tripura is playing an active role in this nation-building agenda by empowering panchayats, improving infrastructure, and encouraging innovation in governance at the grassroots level.
“Panchayati Raj is not just a system of governance; it is the backbone of rural development. It is the most direct channel through which development work reaches the people,” Dr. Saha stated. He further noted that the decentralized approach allows for quicker, more effective implementation of government schemes tailored to local needs.
Highlighting the achievements of the current administration, the Chief Minister said that in the past two years, the government has constructed 44 new Panchayat Bhavans (village council buildings), established four District Panchayat Resource Centres, and launched eight Panchayat Learning Centres aimed at capacity-building and continuous training of local functionaries.
In a significant step towards quality assurance, the government has also initiated the process of upgrading 25 institutions — including 15 panchayats — to ISO standards. This initiative is expected to enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery in rural governance.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Tripura Panchayat Department and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong. The MoU focuses on advanced training and capacity-building programs for Panchayati Raj functionaries. Professor Nalini Prabha Tripathi, Director of IIM Shillong, praised the move, calling it a forward-looking initiative that would bring professional expertise to local governance in the state.
The event saw participation from prominent dignitaries, including Secretary of the Panchayat Department Abhishek Singh, chairpersons of all eight district councils, and other senior officials. Their presence underscored the importance of cooperative governance and shared responsibility in strengthening rural institutions.
To recognize and reward exemplary work in the Panchayati Raj sector, the state government presented awards in various categories during the ceremony. These awards are intended to encourage innovation, accountability, and public participation in local governance.
The celebration witnessed a strong turnout, with nearly 800 participants including elected representatives, government officials, and staff members from various districts, blocks, and panchayats. The enthusiastic participation reflected the growing importance of decentralized governance in Tripura’s development narrative.
In conclusion, the state-level celebration of National Panchayati Raj Day served not only as a platform for showcasing Tripura’s rural development achievements but also as a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to building resilient, inclusive, and self-reliant village communities. With sustained financial support, institutional upgrades, and strategic collaborations, the Tripura government appears poised to take its Panchayati Raj institutions to new heights.
