Agartala, Jan 21 (NationPress) The progress of Tripura can be significantly expedited by fostering unity among its citizens, which is crucial for realizing the vision of “Ek Tripura, Srestha Tripura”, stated Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday. He emphasized that the state government prioritizes socio-economic development and enduring peace.

Speaking at the Tripura Statehood Day celebration after launching the program at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan, the Chief Minister pointed out that the primary aim of commemorating Statehood Day is to steer the socio-economic development of the populace on the right track while ensuring that peace and harmony flourish throughout the state.

“Only through unity, cooperation, and harmony can Tripura advance on the path of progress. Upholding peace and social stability is vital to maintain the momentum of development,” Saha remarked.

During the event, the Chief Minister conveyed a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who urged the nation to strive towards becoming a developed and self-reliant India by 2047. Saha mentioned that the Tripura government is aligned with this national vision. Reflecting on Tripura’s historical journey, he recalled the establishment of a Council of Regency following the demise of Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya on May 17, 1947, under the leadership of Maharani Kanchanprabha Devi.

On August 13, 1947, she signed the agreement for Tripura’s integration with the Indian Union. The Council of Regency was dissolved on January 12, 1948, with Maharani Kanchanprabha Devi becoming the sole regent. He noted that on September 9, 1949, she signed the instrument of accession in Delhi, leading to Tripura’s formal merger with the Indian Union on October 15, 1949.

The Chief Minister paid homage to all who played pivotal roles in Tripura achieving full statehood. Saha highlighted that since the BJP government took office in 2018, Tripura has become one of the leading states in India in areas such as agriculture, education, health, industrial infrastructure, women empowerment, public security, and self-reliance.

He further stated that Tripura now ranks second among Northeastern states regarding Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and per capita income.

“Tripura is recognized as the only digital state in the nation. The state has received 347 awards for effective implementation of development initiatives and has achieved the top rank in deregulation,” he mentioned.

The Chief Minister also remarked that the government has taken significant steps to enhance women’s self-reliance, noting that over 1.08 lakh women have become “Lakhpati Didis”, affiliated with Self-Help Groups across the state, with 54,323 women’s SHGs operating successfully.

Focused efforts are ongoing to promote the socio-economic development of tribal communities.

During the occasion, six distinguished individuals were honored with the State Citizen Awards, while 11 others received the Statehood Day Awards for their outstanding contributions in various fields. The Chief Minister and other dignitaries, including Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman, Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Chief Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Kumar Chakraborty, and Director General of Police Anurag, were present at the event.