Tripura Achieves 7th Position in Panchayat Devolution Index?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tripura ranks 7th in the national Panchayat Devolution Index.
- Improved from 13th position in 2015.
- 42 Panchayats achieved Grade-A ratings.
- No Panchayat from Tripura received Grade-D.
- Emphasis on strengthening rural governance and transparency.
Agartala, Sep 1 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, announced on Monday that the state has secured the 7th position nationally in the Panchayat Devolution Index revealed by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, a significant improvement from its 13th position in 2015.
During the two-day Panchayati Raj Capacity Building Programme held at the State Panchayat Resource Centre in Arundhuti Nagar, near Agartala, CM Saha stated that under the Panchayat Advancement Index, 42 Panchayats in the state achieved Grade-A, with none falling into Grade-D.
He urged all Gram Panchayat representatives to operate with accountability to enhance the Panchayats further.
“In the Panchayat Advancement Index, Tripura’s Panchayats have received commendable ratings: 42 attained Grade-A, 728 secured Grade-B, and 406 were rated Grade-C, with none in Grade-D,” said Saha.
The report titled “Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence Based Ranking” was released earlier in Delhi by Union Minister of State, S.P. Singh Baghel, from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Tripura is the sole Northeastern state among the 10 states in the country to achieve a place in the Panchayat Devolution Index, ranking 7th.
The Chief Minister emphasized that if rural governance is fortified, it will bolster the state government.
“Panchayats represent a critical pillar of democracy. A robust three-tier Panchayat system is essential for progress. A solidified three-tier Panchayat will also reinforce the nation. Various schemes from state and central governments rely on the effective implementation by Panchayats; without them, a country or state cannot thrive,” he remarked.
CM Saha highlighted that transparency is crucial, urging everyone to operate transparently.
“The previous Left regime turned Panchayats into political hubs. We have surpassed that era. We have been elected to serve the common people and must implement various schemes through Panchayats,” he asserted.
According to the Chief Minister, approximately 60 to 70 percent of the population resides in rural areas.
The GSDP and per capita income are contingent on rural economic development, and the government has been actively addressing this. He added, “We must develop villages comprehensively. Since the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government assumed power, we have focused on rural development, including drinking water, education, health, and other essential sectors.”
Present at the event were Panchayat Minister Kishor Barman, Panchayat Department Secretary Abhishek Singh, Director Prasun Dey, and various other dignitaries.