Agartala, Jan 18 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, has announced that the state has secured a remarkable total of 347 national and regional awards in the last eight years, highlighting its steadfast dedication to good governance. This achievement underscores Tripura's ongoing transformation through policy-driven and citizen-centric administrative reforms.

During a discussion focused on good governance, CM Saha emphasized that Tripura's advancements in governance embody a crucial principle: small states can lead through innovative ideas and robust institutions. The governance reforms in Tripura are part of a broader transformation rather than isolated efforts.

CM Saha asserted that Tripura is poised to become a leader among the Northeastern states in policy formulation for good governance and developmental progress.

He further stated that Tripura has been recognized as the seventh frontrunner state in India regarding good governance.

To expedite development initiatives, the Tripura Institution for Transformation (TIFT) is set to implement an index-based system for monitoring progress.

According to CM Saha, good governance fosters trust between the government and its citizens. “Governance encompasses effective decision-making, functional institutions, and delivering tangible outcomes. The Tripura government has intentionally prioritized good governance within its development framework.”

“Achieving sustainable transformation necessitates more than fragmented scheme implementation; it demands strong institutions, evidence-based policymaking, and ongoing reforms,” he added.

In tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, CM Saha remarked that Vajpayee viewed governance as a matter of sensitivity, dialogue, and dignity for every citizen.

“His vision continues to motivate governments throughout India to pursue humane, inclusive, and progressive governance,” the Chief Minister noted.

He recalled that the Good Governance Department was established in August 2023, followed by the launch of the TIFT on December 25, 2023, under the auspices of NITI Aayog's State Support Mission.

The TIFT has been positioned as Tripura's policy think tank and acknowledged by NITI Aayog as one of the seven leading state institutions nationwide.

Under NITI Aayog's State Support Mission, Tripura is collaborating with prominent knowledge institutions to pinpoint its core strengths, set achievable targets, and develop sector-specific roadmaps.

In the past two years, the Good Governance Department has established policies for record retention and disposal, as well as asset management policies, to enable systematic management of official records and valuable government properties.

Highlighting the importance of innovation in contemporary governance, CM Saha stated that TIFT, in partnership with IIM Calcutta's Innovation Park, conducted design thinking workshops to formulate the Tripura Startup Policy.

The goal was to tackle systemic challenges faced by startups, including access to finance, incubation support, mentoring, and market linkages, ensuring inclusive and sustainable innovation within the state.

Moreover, CM Saha emphasized that no administrative reform is complete without focusing on youth and employment. In this regard, TIFT has undertaken extensive research to overhaul the state's skill development ecosystem, aiming to align skills with industry demands, enhance employment outcomes, and equip youth for emerging sectors and global opportunities.

To complement public investment with private participation, the state government has established a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Cell under the Good Governance Department.

The PPP Cell has supported various projects, including a multispecialty hospital at Amtali, a multi-level parking facility at Battala, affordable housing at Nandan Nagar, and other initiatives.

CM Saha noted that sustained collaboration between TIFT and NITI Aayog has yielded several tangible results. One notable instance is the recent approval for the final location survey of the Jirania–Bodhjungnagar railway line, a crucial infrastructure project aimed at fostering industrial development.

Tripura's commitment to good governance has garnered recognition beyond state lines. Following discussions at the 72nd plenary session of the Northeastern Council, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CM Saha was appointed as the Convener of a high-level task force focused on investment promotion in the Northeast.

After consultations with the other seven Northeastern states, a cohesive and actionable industrial investment policy for the region was developed.

The report received widespread acclaim from Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and all Chief Ministers in the region. The report prepared by Tripura has been adopted as a model template for all task forces led by other Chief Ministers, reflecting the growing administrative capacity and credibility of Tripura as a policy leader in the region.

Tripura's reform strategy, showcased at the recent 5th Chief Secretaries' Conference, was shared with all states, and the Bihar government has invited Tripura officials to observe the Tripura Model of Doing Business. CM Saha highlighted that good governance also involves reconnecting with the citizens of Tripura, regardless of their location.

The Prabasi Tripurabasi Initiative has emerged as a unique platform to rebuild emotional connections with the global Tripuri diaspora. From virtual participation in its first year to a physical summit in the second year, the initiative has transformed emotions into engagement, bringing ideas, suggestions, investments, and strategic inputs for the state’s development. Of the 86 diaspora participants, 24 work in the IT sector, 12 are entrepreneurs, 11 are in academia, 10 are consultants, eight contribute to science and technology, seven are involved in tourism and healthcare, while the remaining seven come from various industries, including film.

On this occasion, Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha stated that Tripura has received commendation from the central government for its achievements in good governance and has become a significant partner in driving national development. Director General of Police Anurag elaborated on the state’s law and order situation, while Kiran Gitte, Secretary of the Good Governance Department, outlined the current and future programs of the department and TIFT.