By Firstdespatch Desk Jul 31, 2026
Agartala, July 31 (FD) Reaffirming the importance of rural development as the foundation of a strong state and nation, Tripura Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Friday inaugurated the new building of the Bijaynagar Smart and Boutique Gram Panchayat under Mohanpur Block. Addressing a large gathering at the inauguration ceremony held at Bijaynagar S.B. School Ground, the minister said that the government's vision is to build developed, self-reliant, transparent, digital, and empowered villages across the state.
Speaking at the event, Ratan Lal Nath emphasized that the progress of villages directly contributes to the overall development of the state and the country. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of rural transformation, he said that remarkable improvements in financial, social, and infrastructural sectors are becoming visible in villages across Tripura. According to the minister, Bijaynagar Gram Panchayat has emerged as a shining example of comprehensive rural development.
Highlighting the achievements of the panchayat, Nath stated that Bijaynagar has made significant progress in infrastructure, digital governance, economic development, and social welfare. One of its most remarkable accomplishments is the creation of 480 'Lakhpati Didis', reflecting the success of women's economic empowerment initiatives and self-reliance programs implemented in the region.
The minister also praised the panchayat's outstanding performance in digital service delivery. Bijaynagar Gram Panchayat earned national recognition by securing the second position in the country for implementing e-governance systems, receiving a cash award of Rs. 5 lakh. He further noted that Tripura's Panchayat Department has brought pride to the state by winning 49 national awards in different categories, showcasing the state's commitment to efficient local governance.
Calling for greater public participation, Nath said that building a strong panchayat requires active involvement from local residents. He urged people to remain connected with the panchayat administration, contribute to development planning, and support the implementation of welfare projects. Stressing the importance of financial sustainability, he advised panchayats to increase their own revenue generation so that funds can be invested in public welfare schemes, local infrastructure, and community development.
The minister added that the state government continues to implement several welfare initiatives aimed at improving healthcare, increasing life expectancy, enhancing per capita income, and creating better livelihood opportunities for citizens. He reiterated that a strong village leads to a strong panchayat, a strong panchayat strengthens the state, and a developed state ultimately contributes to a prosperous nation.
The programme was attended by Panchayat Department Director Rajib Dutta, Acting Sabhadhipati of West Tripura Zilla Parishad Biswajit Shil, Mohanpur Panchayat Samiti Chairman Rakesh Deb, Vice Chairman Sanjib Kumar Das, Mohanpur Municipal Council Chairperson Anita Debnath, Vice Chairperson Shankar Deb, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, Mohanpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate Shantanu Bikash Das, and several other officials and public representatives.
The event featured a three-minute audio-visual presentation titled "Journey Towards a Boutique Panchayat," highlighting the development achievements of Bijaynagar Gram Panchayat. Local artists performed the traditional Kumur dance, while individuals who made notable contributions to society were felicitated. The honorees included five centenarian citizens, six beneficiaries of successful cataract surgeries, ten meritorious students from Madhyamik and Higher Secondary examinations, and Papon Sutradhar, who was recognised as the Brand Ambassador of Bijaynagar Gram Panchayat.
The inauguration marks another milestone in Tripura's rural development journey, reinforcing the government's commitment to creating digitally empowered, economically self-reliant, and socially inclusive villages. FD SB