Agartala, 30th June 2026: Tripura’s Panchayat Minister, Kishor Barman, represented the state at the two-day National Rural Development Conference organized by the Ministry of Rural Development in New Delhi. The conference was presided over by Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and attended by Rural Development Ministers from 29 states along with senior officials of the Central and State governments.
Speaking on behalf of Tripura, Minister Barman emphasized the state’s readiness to implement the “Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)” from July 1, 2026. He informed the gathering that all administrative, financial, and legal preparations had been completed to operationalize the scheme.
During his address, Barman placed several key demands before the Central Government: ₹482 crore release for the July–September 2026 period; Payment of ₹340 crore in outstanding dues under the previous MGNREGA scheme; and Greater autonomy for states in implementing projects related to water conservation, rural infrastructure, livelihood generation, and climate resilience.
He also urged the Centre to approve 1.50 lakh additional housing units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G) in the current fiscal year, noting that 2.56 lakh eligible families in Tripura are awaiting permanent homes. The remaining units, he suggested, could be sanctioned in the next fiscal year.
Further, Barman sought special financial assistance of ₹50 crore for one-time renovation and maintenance of rural roads transferred from agencies like NBCC and HSCL under the PMGSY scheme, stressing the urgent need to improve these neglected routes.
Expressing confidence, the Minister said, “Through the concerted efforts of the Central and State governments, these rural development initiatives will accelerate Tripura’s progress and play a pivotal role in realizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).”
