BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 16th January 2026: Once criticized during the Left regime for opposing computer usage, the current state government has now connected all panchayats with internet services and is preparing to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the rural governance system.
Panchayat Minister Kishor Barman said the government’s vision is to ensure that “people should not have to reach out to the government; rather, the government must reach the people.” He made the remarks today while attending the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the new Bagabasa Panchayat building in Nalchar block under Sonamura subdivision.
The minister emphasized that modern technology will play a key role in strengthening grassroots governance and making panchayat services more accessible.
Among those present at the event were Nalchar Block Chairman Swapan Kumar Das, Vice-Chairman Rina Debnath, Block BDO Suranjit Sarkar, and several panchayat representatives.
16th Puthiba Lai-Haraoba Festival to begin on January 19
BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 16th January 2026: The Manipuri community’s traditional religious and cultural festival, Puthiba Lai-Haraoba, enters its 16th year this January. The five-day celebration, along with a rural fair, will commence on January 19 and continue until January 23 at the Puthiba Debata Temple premises in Abhaynagar.
Organized jointly by the Puthiba Lai-Haraoba Committee and the Puthiba Welfare and Cultural Society, with support from the state’s Department of Information and Culture, the festival will open at 5:30 p.m. on January 19.
The inaugural function will be graced by Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb as Chief Guest. Special Guest of Honour will be Maharaja of Manipur and Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba. Other guests are Dipak Majumder, Mayor and MLA; Bhagaban Das, MLA; L. Suchindra Meitei, MLA from Manipur; Papia Dutta, social worker; Hiralal Debnath, Mayor-in-Council; and Dr. Vishal Kumar (IAS), District Magistrate of West Tripura.
Throughout the festival, renowned Amaiba and Amaibi artists from Manipur will perform the traditional Pena Khongba. The program will also feature Thang-Ta martial arts, folk dances, music, and instrumental performances by artists from within and outside the state. A rural fair will run alongside the festivities, expected to be a major attraction for visitors.
The closing ceremony will be held on January 23 at 5:30 p.m. with Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee as Chief Guest. Special invitee will be MLA Ramapada Jamatia. Other dignitaries are Manika Das Dutta, Deputy Mayor, Agartala Municipal Corporation; Bhaswati Debbarma, Corporator; Prashanta Badal Negi (IAS), Director of Tourism; and Professor Ibuhal Meitei, President of Reforms, Manipur.
The inaugural and closing sessions will be chaired by Sinam Dipak Kumar Singh and R.K. Rajesh Singh, respectively.
Each evening of the festival will showcase vibrant cultural performances, including Maiba-Maibi dance, Pena dance, martial arts demonstrations, and musical shows.
The organizing committee has appealed for public participation and cooperation to make the 16th edition of this traditional festival a grand success.
