Agartala, September 01, 2025: Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Monday called upon Panchayat representatives and officials to ensure greater accountability and transparency in delivering government schemes to the rural population.

Speaking at the inaugural session of a two-day Capacity Building and Training Programme on local governance at the State Panchayat Resource Centre in A.D. Nagar, Agartala, Dr. Saha described the three-tier Panchayati Raj system as a “crucial pillar” for reaching the last mile of society. He noted that nearly 70 percent of the state’s population resides in villages, making rural development a top priority for the government.

The Chief Minister highlighted initiatives like the introduction of the eOffice system, which, he said, has enhanced transparency and expedited panchayat-level work. He also underlined Tripura’s achievements at the national level, including seven panchayat awards, and praised the performance of local bodies in the Panchayat Advancement Index, where 42 secured Grade-A, 728 Grade-B, and 406 Grade-C, with none falling into Grade-D.

Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Dr. Saha stressed the importance of skill development for Panchayat representatives to strengthen local governance.

Panchayat Minister Kishor Barman, addressing the gathering, alleged large-scale corruption in the Panchayat system during the previous government’s tenure and asserted that the present administration would take strict action against irregularities. He urged representatives to ensure fair selection of beneficiaries and deliver welfare benefits sincerely to the rural population.

The event was attended by senior officials including Rural Development Secretary Abhishek Singh, Director Prasun De, Sabhadhipatis of all eight Zilla Parishads, chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, Pradhans, Upa-Pradhans, and other Panchayat leaders. The workshop was jointly organized by the Panchayat Department and Bharat Initiative Foundation.