Agartala, June 20, 2025: Tripura’s ARD, Fisheries and SC Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das on Thursday urged employees of the three departments to prioritise ‘continuous improvement’, ‘employee engagement’, ‘identification and resolution of problems’, ‘emphasis on doing’ and ‘efficiency in productivity’. He emphasized that these core principles are essential for improving coordination, accelerating development, and delivering effective welfare services to the people of Tripura.

While addressing a gathering of senior officials, employees and staff of ARD, Fisheries and SC Welfare department in the Chintan Shibir cum Felicitation Programme at State Guest House here in Agartala city on Thursday evening, minister Das expressed pride in the achievements of his departments. He stated that the initiative to organise such a programme had been in the pipeline for the last two years.

“For the past two years, we have been trying to organise this programme. In both state and district-level review meetings, I had suggested that those delivering extraordinary service should be recognised and felicitated,” said Minister Das.

Speaking about the department’s performance in the financial year 2024–25, he said, “It has been a successful year. We have achieved more than 95% of our targets. From the minister to the secretary, director, and our frontline workers – everyone has played a key role in this success.”

Minister Das also highlighted the innovative steps taken by the department. “We have initiated and implemented several new and innovative decisions – compensation for livestock losses, implementation of Matsya Sampada Yojana, land reclamation programmes and the introduction of new prawn cultivation practices,” he said.

Further elaborating on welfare efforts, he added, “In the SC Welfare Department, we have tried to go beyond traditional schemes by constantly requesting the Chief Minister and Finance Minister to allow new initiatives.”

On the significance of the felicitation event, he remarked, “This programme will ignite a healthy sense of competition among our employees. Let this set an example – when a department performs well, it deserves to be recognized. If you want to achieve something, you will find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”

Secretary Deepa D Nair highlighted that project proposals worth Rs 500 crore from the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (ARD) departments have been submitted to the North Eastern Council, NABARD, and the Central Government for approval. Additionally, proposals amounting to Rs 70 crore have been submitted specifically for the development of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.

She further informed that broad policy reforms are currently underway within the Fisheries Department, and a new transfer policy will be introduced soon. Moreover, under the guidance of Minister Sudhangshu Das, projects worth Rs 200 crore are being prepared for the SC Welfare Department, to be sent to the Central Government for approval.

Speaking at the programme, ARD Director Dr NK Chanchal said that the incumbent minister Das is a guiding light with motivation, vision and determination for the employees of these three departments.

It is important to minister those who are working good, motivate them to work better in the coming days for the welfare of people.

Director of Animal Resources Development (ARD), Dr. N.K. Chanchal, outlined significant achievements of the department during the financial year 2024–25, while also detailing upcoming plans for infrastructural and service improvements.

He informed that 67 veterinary officers and 74 Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) have been appointed and posted across the state. “We have utilised 99.9% of the allocated funds in a judicious manner,” Dr. Chanchal stated, crediting the Minister’s regular visits and consistent review meetings for driving accountability and performance.

Director of the Scheduled Castes Welfare Department, Jayanta Dey, stated that the three departments—SC Welfare, ARD, and Fisheries—are collectively working to ensure the welfare of all sections of society through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanisms.

He highlighted that Minister Sudhangshu Das’ diversified vision and proactive thinking have led to the introduction of various schemes and benefits aimed at inclusive growth. “Special attention is being given to how we can uplift the SC community, particularly those living in underprivileged and remote areas,” Dey said.

He also mentioned that planning and implementation efforts are underway under the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) to further strengthen development initiatives for the SC population.