Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Friday announced that the state has officially declared all its Panchayats as disability-friendly. Speaking at a state-level workshop on Panchayati Raj and local governance in Agartala, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every citizen, regardless of ability, has equal access to governance systems.
Dr. Saha highlighted that the decision aligns with the state’s broader agenda of empowering rural institutions and making grassroots governance more responsive and inclusive. With this declaration, all Panchayat offices in Tripura are now equipped with accessible infrastructure, including ramps, barrier-free entryways, accessible toilets, and seating arrangements designed for individuals with disabilities.
In a major step toward leadership development in local governance, the Chief Minister also announced a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Government of Tripura and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong. This MoU aims to provide structured leadership and administrative training to elected Panchayat leaders across the state. The training modules will focus on public policy, financial management, community engagement, and digital governance.
Dr. Saha noted that the collaboration with IIM Shillong will create a new cadre of informed and efficient Panchayat leaders who are well-versed in modern governance practices. He stressed that the rural landscape is evolving, and elected representatives need to stay updated with new skills and insights to meet the growing demands of their constituents.
The Chief Minister also proudly shared that Tripura has secured the seventh rank in the national Panchayat Devolution Index. This ranking reflects the degree to which financial, functional, and administrative powers have been transferred to Panchayati Raj Institutions in the state. Dr. Saha stated that the achievement is a result of consistent efforts in decentralizing power and giving autonomy to grassroots institutions to address local issues effectively.
Minister for Rural Development Shukla Charan Noatia praised the dual announcement as a milestone in Tripura’s journey toward participatory democracy. He said the accessibility initiative not only brings dignity to disabled citizens but also strengthens the inclusivity of local decision-making. According to Noatia, the state government will continue to prioritize vulnerable groups and foster leadership talent at the village level.
Secretary of Panchayat Raj Department Bimal Kumar Das informed the gathering that a state-wide audit had been completed to assess infrastructure gaps before declaring the Panchayats disability-friendly. He confirmed that required modifications have been implemented in all 1,178 Gram Panchayats and Village Councils across Tripura, setting a precedent for other states to follow.
The MoU with IIM Shillong will also involve periodic assessments and feedback from trainees to ensure practical learning outcomes. The first phase of training is scheduled to begin in June and will cover representatives from 60 Panchayats in the initial batch. Sessions will be held both in-person and through digital platforms to accommodate leaders from remote regions.
Civil society groups and disability rights activists have welcomed the move. Organizations such as ABLE Tripura and Prayas Trust issued statements applauding the state government for creating an accessible governance model that respects the rights of disabled individuals. They noted that true democracy cannot function unless all citizens can participate equally.
Residents of several districts, including Sepahijala, Gomati, and Dhalai, have already reported visible changes in their Panchayat offices, such as new signage in braille and wheelchair-accessible meeting halls. Locals say the changes make them feel heard and included in local governance for the first time.
As Tripura continues to reimagine rural governance, the dual focus on accessibility and leadership development positions the state as a progressive model in Northeast India. The Chief Minister reiterated that the government would remain steadfast in its mission to deliver people-centric, inclusive governance that uplifts every citizen at the grassroots.
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