Agartala, Jan 21 (IANS) The development of Tripura can be accelerated by strengthening unity among its people, which will help build an “Ek Tripura, Srestha Tripura”, Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Wednesday, reiterating that socio-economic development and lasting peace remain the state government’s top priorities.

Addressing the Tripura Statehood Day celebration after inaugurating the programme at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan here, the Chief Minister said the primary objective of observing Statehood Day is to guide the socio-economic development of the people on the right path and to ensure that peace and harmony prevail across the state.

“Only through unity, cooperation and harmony can Tripura move forward on the path of progress. Maintaining peace and social stability is essential to keep the development momentum intact,” Saha said.

During the programme, the Chief Minister read out the message sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which the Prime Minister called for building a developed and self-reliant India by 2047. Saha said the Tripura government is also working in line with that national vision. Highlighting Tripura’s historical journey, the Chief Minister recalled that following the death of erstwhile Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya on May 17, 1947, a Council of Regency was formed under the leadership of Maharani Kanchanprabha Devi.

On August 13, 1947, she signed the instrument of consent for Tripura’s association with the Indian Union. Subsequently, the Council of Regency was dissolved on January 12, 1948, and Maharani Kanchanprabha Devi was appointed as the sole regent. He said that on September 9, 1949, Maharani Kanchanprabha Devi signed the instrument of accession in Delhi, and Tripura was formally merged with the Indian Union on October 15, 1949.

The Chief Minister paid tribute to all those who made significant contributions towards Tripura attaining full statehood. Saha said that since the formation of the BJP government in 2018, Tripura has emerged as one of the leading states in the country in sectors such as agriculture, education, health, industrial infrastructure, women empowerment, public security and self-reliance.

He added that Tripura now ranks second among Northeastern states in terms of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and per capita income.

“Tripura is recognised as the only digital state in the country. The state has won 347 awards at various levels for effective implementation of development programmes and has also secured the top position in deregulation,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the government has taken effective steps to promote women’s self-reliance, adding that over 1.08 lakh women have emerged as “Lakhpati Didis” and they are now associated with Self-Help Groups across the state, with 54,323 women SHGs functioning successfully.

He also said focused initiatives are underway for the socio-economic development of tribal communities.

On the occasion, six eminent personalities were conferred with the State Citizen Awards, while 11 others received the Statehood Day Awards for their contributions in various fields.

The Chief Minister and other dignitaries presented the awards. 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 among those present at the programme.

–IANS

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