National Panchayat Awards 2024: Tripura Shines Bright with 7 Prestigious Awards
The National Panchayat Awards 2024, announced by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, have brought remarkable recognition to Tripura. The state has achieved a groundbreaking feat, bagging 7 prestigious awards, cementing its place as one of the top-performing states in Panchayati Raj governance. Tripura shares the first position in total awards with Odisha, a proud moment for the state.
Key Highlights of Tripura’s Achievement
Out of the 45 awards distributed nationally, Tripura stood out by securing 7 awards. Competing against 2.5 lakh panchayats across India, Tripura’s performance reflects the robust Panchayati Raj system and its effectiveness in driving grassroots development.
The Chief Minister of Tripura extended heartfelt congratulations to all officials, elected representatives, and stakeholders involved. He emphasized that this accomplishment underscores the state’s commitment to transformative rural development.
Award-Winning Categories and Details
Best District Panchayats in the Country
Award: Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikash Puraskar
Recipient: Gomati District
Prize Money: ₹5 crore
Second Best Block in the Country
Award: Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikash Puraskar
Recipient: Amarpur RD Block
Prize Money: ₹1.75 crore
Best Women-Friendly Panchayat in the Country
Award: Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikash Puraskar
Recipient: Manubankul Village Committee, Rupaichhari Block
Prize Money: ₹1 crore
Second Best Carbon Neutral Panchayat
Award: Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar
Recipient: Thakchahra Gram Panchayat, Amarpur RD Block
Prize Money: ₹0.75 crore
Poverty-Free and Enhanced Livelihoods Panchayat
Award: Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikash Puraskar
Recipient: Betchara Gram Panchayat, Kumarghat Block
Prize Money: ₹0.50 crore
Child-Friendly Panchayat
Award: Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikash Puraskar
Recipient: Rajkang Village Committee, Amarpur RD Block
Prize Money: ₹0.50 crore
Water-Sufficient Village
Award: Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikash Puraskar
Recipient: Debbari Gram Panchayat, Amarpur Block
Prize Money: ₹0.50 crore
Total Prize Money Secured
The total award money bagged by Tripura amounts to an impressive ₹10 crore, reflecting the state’s holistic development efforts in multiple sectors.
Representation at the Award Ceremony
A delegation led by Dr. Sandeep R Rathode, Secretary RD (Panchayats), Government of Tripura, will represent the state at the National Panchayat Award Ceremony on December 11, 2024, in New Delhi. The event will be graced by the President of India.
Significance of the Achievement
This recognition is not just an accolade for the state but also a testament to the effectiveness of policies promoting:
Poverty alleviation
Women empowerment
Sustainability
Child welfare
Water sufficiency
Energy efficiency
Tripura’s success sets an inspiring example for other states, showcasing the transformative power of strong local governance systems.
Sports Awards and Honors in Tripura – 2024
Tripura celebrated an exceptional year in sports and social contributions, with several individuals and events being honored for their outstanding achievements and efforts. Here’s a detailed overview of the awards and honors:
National Youth Icon Award
Recipient: Arshiya Das
Field: Chess
Achievement: Arshiya Das, a chess prodigy from Tripura, received the prestigious National Youth Icon Award for her remarkable achievements in the sport. Her dedication and consistent performance have brought immense pride to the state.
Youth Icon of Tripura Award
Recipients:
Abhijit Acharjee
Papon Saha
Bapparaj Datta
Category: Social Work and Disaster Management
Achievement: The award recognized their significant contributions during the devastating floods in Tripura. Their selfless efforts in disaster management and social work were instrumental in mitigating the impact of the floods and supporting affected communities.
Khelo Tripura Para Games
Event Details:
A special sporting event dedicated to para-athletes in Tripura.
Featured events included:
Wheelchair races
Shot put
Chess
Other adaptive sports.
Significance: The games celebrated inclusivity in sports, providing a platform for para-athletes to showcase their talents and inspiring others through their resilience and determination.
State-Level Khelo Tripura Para Games
Event Highlights:
A state-level version of the Khelo Tripura Para Games was organized to foster grassroots participation and recognize the achievements of local para-athletes.
The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, honoring participants and winners for their outstanding performances.
Impact and Significance
These awards and events reflect Tripura’s commitment to promoting sports culture, social responsibility, and inclusivity.
The recognition of young talents like Arshiya Das in chess and the acknowledgment of social contributions by individuals highlight the state’s diverse achievements in both sports and humanitarian efforts.
The Khelo Tripura Para Games underscores the importance of providing equal opportunities and support to para-athletes, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and empowerment in the state.
Tripura continues to shine as a state that values and celebrates excellence in sports, social work, and inclusivity, setting an inspiring example for the rest of the nation.
National Youth Day 2025 Celebrated in Tripura
Venue: Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, Kalyanpur
Organized by: Youth Affairs and Sports Department, Tripura
Celebration Highlights
The state of Tripura celebrated National Youth Day 2025 with immense enthusiasm and pride, paying tribute to the contributions of its youth in social work and disaster management. The event marked a day of inspiration, recognizing the extraordinary efforts of individuals who have made a significant impact on their communities.
“Youth Icon of Tripura” Awards
Presented by: Minister for Sports Department, Tinku Roy
Purpose: To honor exemplary individuals for their courage, dedication, and selfless contributions during the devastating floods in Tripura.
Award Recipients
Abhijit Acharjee
Role: Scout Master, Khowai District
Contribution: Played a critical role in rescue operations, saving numerous lives during the floods.
Papon Saha
Role: State Training Commissioner Scout, West Tripura District
Contribution: Led extensive rescue efforts, showcasing exceptional leadership and disaster management skills.
Bapparaj Datta
Role: Scout Master
Contribution: Dedicated his efforts to aiding flood victims, rescuing both people and animals, and ensuring community safety.
These awardees were celebrated for their heroic actions, which included coordinating relief efforts, organizing rescue operations, and providing aid to those affected by the floods. Their contributions not only saved lives but also set an inspiring example of youth leadership and compassion.
Event Highlights
Dignitary Speeches:
Keynote speakers praised the awardees for their bravery and dedication, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in disaster management and community service.
Cultural Programs:
The event included performances that highlighted themes of resilience, leadership, and the spirit of service among youth.
Significance of the Event
The celebration of National Youth Day 2025 in Tripura was not just a tribute to the recipients but also an encouragement for young people across the state to take an active role in addressing social challenges.
It underscored the vital role of youth in disaster response and community welfare.
By honoring these individuals, the state recognized the power of selflessness, teamwork, and leadership in overcoming adversity.
This event showcased the spirit of National Youth Day, commemorating the ideals of Swami Vivekananda and inspiring the youth of Tripura to contribute meaningfully to society.
Ayan Sarkar Receives the Atal Gaurav Award 2024
Recipient: Ayan Sarkar
Award: Atal Gaurav Award 2024
Field: Agriculture
Achievements and Contributions
Ayan Sarkar, an agricultural scientist from Tripura, received the prestigious Atal Gaurav Award 2024 in recognition of his exceptional contributions to agriculture. His work has been particularly impactful in advancing organic farming, organizing agricultural initiatives, and empowering women farmers in the state.
Education and Background
Sarkar graduated from the Agricultural University of Uttarakhand, where he honed his expertise in modern and sustainable agricultural practices.
After completing his education, he returned to Tripura with a vision to revolutionize agriculture in his home state.
Key Contributions
Promotion of Organic Farming
Sarkar played a pivotal role in advocating for organic farming methods, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers, and encouraging sustainable practices among farmers.
Empowering Women Farmers
He worked extensively with women farmers, providing them with knowledge, tools, and support to enhance productivity and independence in agriculture.
Formation of Agricultural Organizations
In 2016, Sarkar co-founded the Tripura Agriculture and Horticulture Graduates Association.
The association focuses on:
Improving agricultural practices across Tripura.
Creating job opportunities for agricultural graduates.
Providing a platform for innovation and collaboration in the agricultural sector.
Leadership Role
Sarkar became the Secretary of the Tripura Agriculture and Horticulture Graduates Association in 2022.
Under his leadership, the association has successfully implemented programs to enhance the livelihoods of farmers and promote sustainable development in agriculture.
Significance of the Award
The Atal Gaurav Award is presented to individuals who make groundbreaking contributions in their respective fields, embodying the spirit of innovation, leadership, and societal impact.
For Sarkar, this recognition is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the potential of Tripura’s agricultural sector and its ability to contribute to national growth.
Impact on Agriculture in Tripura
Ayan Sarkar’s efforts have:
Improved agricultural productivity through sustainable practices.
Provided a platform for collaboration among agricultural graduates.
Empowered marginalized communities, especially women, in the agricultural workforce.
This recognition serves as an inspiration for the younger generation to pursue innovative approaches in agriculture and work towards building a resilient and sustainable future for the farming community.