Agartala, Feb 27 (NationPress) Tripura's Chief Minister, Manik Saha, emphasized on Friday that a thriving democracy is rooted in transparency, responsibility, and accountability. He highlighted the importance of elected officials being answerable to the public while adhering to the highest standards of public service.

While addressing a seminar focused on the accountability of public representatives towards all citizens, the Chief Minister remarked that accountability is a fundamental pillar of democracy.

Saha noted that true public representatives are defined by their commitment to safeguarding the dignity of the people, maintaining personal decorum, providing support during challenging times, and ensuring total accountability in their work.

The Chief Minister categorized the seminar, organized by the Tripura Assembly, as a pivotal moment in the pursuit of a more transparent, robust, and people-oriented democracy.

He stressed that the utmost commitment of any elected representative is to earn and uphold public trust, asserting that democracy flourishes on the principles of ethics, transparency, and accountability.

Referring to India as the world's most populous democracy, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for elevating India's global standing significantly.

According to Saha, every public representative bears the duty of preserving and enhancing this prestige.

He also underscored that representatives should be accessible to their constituents year-round, listen attentively to their concerns, and take decisive action.

"The public is observant and aware. The aim should not just be electoral success, but to ensure the development of marginalized communities and the welfare of the underprivileged," he stated, emphasizing the necessity of integrity, self-evaluation, and a corruption-free approach.

Highlighting the significance of digital connectivity in the era of Digital India, the Chief Minister remarked that technology provides a substantial opportunity for direct interaction with citizens.

He explained that sharing information regarding development initiatives and welfare schemes through digital channels enhances transparency and bolsters public trust. He also discussed the operations and goals of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), advocating for responsible roles by representatives in their constituencies.

Tripura's Governor, Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, stated that the Constitution serves not merely as a legal framework but as a guiding principle that guarantees justice, equality, and freedom for all citizens.

In his address at Pragya Bhavan, the Governor stressed that the primary obligation of elected officials is to serve the populace, asserting that accountability is not merely a topic for discussion but a foundational element of a functioning democracy.

“Our aim is to ensure that every citizen receives their constitutional rights to justice. We must work towards empowering farmers, tribal groups, women, and the youth,” the Governor remarked.

He added that while representatives are elected from specific areas, their responsibility encompasses the entire state and all its residents.

Reddy Nallu also highlighted the critical duty of ensuring that development benefits reach every individual in society. Expressing pride in Tripura's achievement of becoming a fully literate state, he stated that creating a quality educational environment is a collective responsibility.

Focusing on women's empowerment, he noted that due to targeted initiatives, numerous women in the state have become “Lakhpati Didis,” with over one hundred thousand emerging as entrepreneurs.

The Governor further mentioned that nearly 70% of the state's population relies on agriculture.

He stated that the government has launched various initiatives for the welfare of farmers, emphasizing that public representatives must guarantee that all eligible farmers benefit from programs like PM-Kisan and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh remarked that the CPA, established in 1911, aims to fortify parliamentary democracy, promote good governance, and uphold the rule of law.

Its primary focus is to enhance the capabilities of public officials and encourage transparent governance systems. Singh referred to the seminar as highly relevant and instrumental in improving the quality of life for citizens.

He also acknowledged Tripura's rich cultural heritage, shaped by 19 tribal communities, as a testament to its vibrant diversity.

Since 2014, following the establishment of the government at the national level under Prime Minister Modi, there has been a noteworthy acceleration in the development of the Northeast, including Tripura, according to the Deputy Chairman.

He pointed out initiatives like the Act East Policy and the vision to present the eight Northeastern states as “Ashtalakshmi.”

He also paid tribute to the illustrious history of the Manikya dynasty of Tripura and called upon representatives to unite for the state's advancement.

Numerous Ministers, MPs, MLAs, and Leader of the Opposition, Jitendra Chaudhury, also contributed to the discussions during the event.