Agartala, Feb 26 (NationPress) On Thursday, Chief Minister Manik Saha of Tripura revealed plans for the state to introduce a groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy, marking it as the first initiative of its kind in India.

This announcement coincided with the unveiling of the nation's inaugural State Innovation Mission in Agartala, part of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) by NITI Aayog, aimed at fostering innovation-driven growth across various states.

The Chief Minister stated that the AI policy is being crafted with assistance from the Atal Innovation Mission and NITI Aayog, which will enhance governance and technology-focused public service delivery.

Tripura plans to implement AI solutions for urban management in Agartala, targeting issues such as traffic congestion, parking, reliable power supply, access to safe drinking water, flood management, and waste management.

Furthermore, the state is working to establish an AI Centre of Excellence with support from the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to advance research, innovation, and capacity development.

The government is also considering the creation of a Tripura IT and Data Economic Zone to bolster the IT and IT-enabled services (ITES) sectors and attract investments in the digital landscape.

With a growing demand for software companies in Tripura, the Chief Minister mentioned plans for developing IT parks that will provide collaborative workspaces and integrated infrastructure.

The launch of the State Innovation Mission, known as T-NEST (Tripura: Nurturing Entrepreneurship and Start-ups), signifies a pivotal moment in Tripura's transformation in the IT sector.

Saha expressed optimism about the state's capability to become a regional center for innovation and technology-driven entrepreneurship.

The Tripura State Innovation Mission aims to cultivate a solid ecosystem for nurturing talent and enterprises, promoting the adoption of advanced technologies, and converting innovative concepts into impactful, scalable initiatives.

“I was thrilled to be part of the launch event held at the International Exhibition Centre, Hapania, alongside Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog Suman Bery, and other esteemed guests,” Saha remarked.

During the event, Jitendra Singh emphasized that Tripura is setting a precedent with the State Innovation Mission, providing a model for other states and Union Territories.

He acknowledged AIM as a forward-thinking initiative developed by Prime Minister Modi, which has instilled a culture of innovation in governance, yielding tangible results over time.

The transition from the Planning Commission to NITI Aayog, along with the formation of AIM, represents a shift towards innovation-driven development, empowering states to actively contribute to national progress.

Jitendra Singh noted that the initiation of the State Innovation Mission illustrates how states can harness the AIM framework to unlock local potential and establish themselves as vital contributors to national growth.

He highlighted NITI Aayog's commitment to establishing 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs nationwide, covering every district, with around 10,000 already operational.

Singh commended Tripura for having approximately 150 active startups, especially in consideration of the state’s size and developmental stage.

He pointed out that India now boasts nearly 200,000 startups, a significant increase from just 350-400 in 2014, showcasing the rapid growth of the country's startup ecosystem.

He observed that State Innovation Missions are guided by the national innovation mission and emphasized that state-level innovations accelerate overall national development.

The mission exemplifies cooperative and competitive federalism.

Suman Bery reiterated Prime Minister Modi's call in 2022 for India to evolve into a modern and developed society by 2047 under the vision of Viksit Bharat.

He stated that achieving this vision necessitates continuous economic growth and connected the State Innovation Mission to the broader economic development framework of the country.

The State Innovation Mission is part of the approved AIM 2.0 initiative under NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission (SSM), designed to enhance innovation ecosystems at the state level.

Deepak Bagla, Mission Director of AIM, highlighted AIM’s strategy to strengthen state-led innovation systems.

“The Prime Minister envisions an innovation-driven Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The State Innovation Mission is our effort to realize this vision. By empowering states to lead innovation contextually, we ensure that talent from every district, every classroom, and every community becomes a catalyst for national growth. This is how AIM is transforming aspirations into actionable outcomes, ensuring an inclusive innovation journey for India,” he stated.

The mission is designed as a long-term institutional framework to assist states and Union Territories in crafting robust, inclusive, and context-specific innovation ecosystems that align with national goals and local strengths.