Agartala, February 3:
Positioning Tripura as an emerging centre for policy innovation and good governance, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday inaugurated the 3rd Regional Dialogue under NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission in Agartala, asserting that governance must ultimately improve the quality of life for every citizen and ensure development reaches the last mile.
The two-day dialogue, jointly organised by the Tripura Government and the Tripura Institution for Transformation (TIFT), has brought together senior officials, policymakers and experts from 16 eastern and northeastern states and Union Territories to deliberate on cooperative federalism, governance best practices and strategies for state-led socio-economic transformation.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha emphasized that governance is not merely about institutions or procedures but about tangible improvements in people’s lives, aligning the state’s development philosophy with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive growth.
“Good governance rests on transparency, accountability, efficiency, responsiveness and citizen-centric administration. Our aim is to ensure that development reaches every household, especially those at the last mile,” he said.
The Chief Minister underlined the importance of the State Support Mission in strengthening institutional frameworks and fostering cross-learning among states.
The workshop focuses on enhancing institutional capacity, accelerating development outcomes, and aligning state initiatives with national priorities.
Highlighting Tripura’s growing recognition at the national level, Dr. Saha praised the role of TIFT as a key driver of the state’s transformation.
“I have already mentioned in my speech that our TIFT is doing a wonderful job for the overall development of Tripura. The decisions taken by TIFT have been highly impactful and have even been appreciated by our Hon’ble Prime Minister,” he told reporters later.
Saha added that participation from 16 states — beyond the Northeast — reflects the credibility Tripura has earned.
“Participants from across the country have come here to attend this important workshop. This itself shows the growing recognition of Tripura’s initiatives at the national level,” he said.
Calling TIFT a “strong think tank” for the state, the Chief Minister said the institution is working closely with the government in critical sectors such as investment, tourism, and infrastructure to accelerate growth and bring positive change.
During the sessions, delegates shared successful governance models, discussed implementation challenges and explored opportunities for joint action. The outcomes of the dialogue are expected to inform future policy interventions and further strengthen Centre-State partnerships.
By hosting the event in Agartala, NITI Aayog has underscored the increasing role of the Northeast in India’s development narrative and the importance of decentralized and participatory governance.
Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Good Governance Secretary Kiran Gitte, senior officers and other dignitaries were present at the inaugural session.
The dialogue is expected to lay a stronger foundation for inter-state collaboration and help shape strategies for inclusive and sustainable socio-economic transformation across the region, with Tripura taking a leading role in the process.
