Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha actively participated in a workshop on the ‘People’s Plan Campaign-2024’ in Agartala. Held on November 20, 2024, the event brought together policymakers, local government representatives, and various stakeholders to discuss and refine the strategies for implementing this ambitious initiative.
Empowering Local Governance
The ‘People’s Plan Campaign,’ popularly known as the Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas program, is a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The campaign aims to empower Gram Panchayats by ensuring the active participation of citizens in drafting the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP). This aligns with the government’s vision of bottom-up governance, where citizens and local representatives collaboratively identify developmental priorities.
Addressing the attendees, CM Manik Saha underscored the importance of participatory planning in transforming rural Tripura. “The success of any developmental initiative lies in understanding the real needs of the people. The People’s Plan Campaign is a platform to bridge the gap between policy and grassroots requirements,” he stated.
He emphasized that the campaign not only strengthens the decision-making process at the Panchayat level but also ensures accountability and transparency in governance. “Our vision is to make every village self-sufficient and inclusive, and this campaign is a step forward in achieving that,” he added.
The Workshop Agenda
The workshop, organized at the Rabindra Bhavan in Agartala, included a series of presentations, discussions, and interactive sessions. Experts and resource persons detailed the key objectives of the campaign, which include:
- Promoting inclusivity by involving marginalized groups, women, and youth in the planning process.
- Ensuring the preparation of GPDPs based on comprehensive data and local needs.
- Strengthening monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective implementation of development plans.
Participants were trained in using digital tools like the eGramSwaraj portal and Gram Manchitra, which enable data-driven planning and real-time monitoring of developmental activities.
Focus on Tripura’s Rural Development
Tripura, a state where over 70% of the population resides in rural areas, stands to benefit significantly from the People’s Plan Campaign. CM Saha highlighted the unique challenges faced by the state, including infrastructure gaps, unemployment, and limited access to healthcare and education in remote areas. He asserted that a well-planned GPDP could address these issues by prioritizing projects such as road construction, water supply systems, skill development programs, and digital connectivity.
“Tripura has made remarkable progress in rural development under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This campaign provides us an opportunity to take our efforts to the next level,” said the Chief Minister.
Engaging Citizens for Holistic Development
A key highlight of the campaign is the Gram Sabha meetings, which serve as the backbone of the planning process. Citizens are encouraged to actively participate in these meetings and voice their concerns and aspirations. CM Saha urged the Panchayat representatives to ensure that these meetings are held regularly and inclusively.
“The Gram Sabha is the soul of the Panchayati Raj system. It is where the vision of a self-reliant village begins to take shape,” he remarked.
The workshop also featured success stories from other states where the campaign has yielded tangible results, inspiring local stakeholders to adopt innovative strategies tailored to Tripura’s context.
Government’s Commitment
The Tripura government has reiterated its commitment to supporting Panchayats in effectively executing the GPDPs. Financial and technical assistance will be provided to ensure that the plans are not just well-designed but also effectively implemented.
Moreover, CM Saha announced that a special monitoring committee would be established to oversee the progress of the campaign across the state. The committee will ensure that the GPDPs align with state and national development goals while addressing local priorities.
Looking Ahead
As the People’s Plan Campaign-2024 unfolds, Tripura is poised to make significant strides in rural development. The workshop in Agartala served as a crucial platform for building awareness, capacity, and enthusiasm among stakeholders.
CM Manik Saha’s active participation and leadership reflect the state government’s determination to empower its villages through inclusive and data-driven planning. The success of this campaign will undoubtedly set a benchmark for participatory governance in India, showcasing how collective efforts can lead to sustainable development and improved quality of life for rural communities.
