Agartala, July 17: Real development in one’s life is his holistic transformation. And Panchayat or Village Committee plays a vital role in this holistic transformation. In fact Panchayats have become centres of public faith and trust and the public representatives of this Three-tier Panchayati Raj System are the protector of this centre of faith and trust.

Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha made these remarks today after inaugurating state-level Panchayat Awards distribution programme held at the Gram Swaraj Bhavan, Arundhatinagar. The Chief Minister and other dignitaries presented a total of 51 Awards to the recipients in different categories including Best Performing Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad, theme-based special initiatives, skilled employee, innovative project etc.

At the programme organized by the rural development department (Panchayat), the guests unveiled the cover of Annual Report – 2025-26 of the department and Panchayat Advancement Index 2.0 (PAI 2.0) booklet. Addressing the gathering the Chief Minister said 70 per cent of the population of India lives in the village. That is why development of villages is a must to build Viksit Bharat by 2047.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi always emphasizes building self-reliant, digital and empowered village. Prime Minister has always appreciated the transformation taking place in Tripura also. So, we also have to live upto his appreciation. It is to be kept in mind that target can be achieved only when the dream and commitment go hand-in-hand, the Chief Minister added. He said, the progress Tripura has made, is recognized across the country.

As part of that success the state has been receiving various national level awards over the last few years. And credit for this achievement does not go to the officials or public representatives alone, but the common people are equal participants in this process. Because, prosperous and developed village can be built only by winning the trust of people.

The Chief Minister said, at the national level Panchayat Advancement Index 2.0, top scoring village, block and district were from Tripura only. Eighty per cent Panchayats of the state have gained ‘A’ grade which has been possible with the concerted efforts of all. He advised the panchayats to focus on digital empowerment, environment-friendly action, promote women leadership, innovative culture, use of renewable energy, waste management etc. in order to achieve financial self-reliance, and provide quick and transparent service.

He also advised every panchayat to focus on one particular sector to build their identity. He said the employees have to come out of the public servant mentality and work like a change maker and nation builder.

In today’s programme the Chief Minister handed over awards to four national awardees i.e. Nanaji Deshmukh Best Panchayat Satata Vikash Award to Sepahijala District, first prize as Healthy Panchayat to Kanchanbari Gram Panchayat under Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satata Vikash Puraskar 2025, and third prize in Women Friendly panchayat category to Baikunthapur Village Committee and second prize in eGovernance category to Bijoynagar Gram Panchayat. Besides, awards were presented to different district, block, panchayat and VCs in different categories as per the state level Panchayat Advancement Index 2.0, as well as the best performing employees.

Chief Minister and other dignitaries handed over the awards to the recipients.

Speaking on this occasion, the Panchayat Minister Kishore Barman said, limited resource can never be a blockade on the path of development. Best example for this is Tripura State. Despite its hilly terrain and small size, it is earning various awards at the national level. That is why it can be said that no obstacle is big enough to hinder your progress if there is liability, transparency, honest leadership and foresighted vision.

He said village is the main centre of power in Indian democracy. A government can be termed successful only when a common man feels that the government stands by him. And the members of the Panchayats are the representative of the government in the village. Welcome address was delivered by the RD secretary Abhishek Singh.

Among others present at the event were Sabhadhipati and Saha Sabhadhipatis of Zila Parishads, Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons of Panchayat Samitis and Panchayat Pradhans, Up-pradhans, DMs, BDOs and other concerned officials. A few documentaries were also screened.