Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday launched Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, a series of service-oriented programmes across the state, combining blood donation, child welfare activities and prayers at Mata Tripurasundari Temple while appealing for social responsibility and calm over TET-related demands.
Key Takeaways:
- Dr. Manik Saha led Seva Sankalp Abhiyan programmes in Agartala and Udaipur on September 17.
- The CM urged healthy citizens to donate blood and called for social support for children at the Ujan Abhoynagar Child Care Unit.
- Saha appealed to TET candidates to avoid agitation and said the government was monitoring recruitment-related issues.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Thursday led a series of programmes across Tripura under the newly launched Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. The day featured a state-level blood donation camp, a visit to a Child Care Unit and the ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ programme at Mata Tripurasundari Temple in Udaipur.
The month-long campaign marks Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday and his completion of 25 years in public service, including his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister.
Blood donation drive opens state-level campaign
The state-level programme began with a blood donation camp at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala.
Dr. Saha visited the camp and interacted with donors and officials. He highlighted the need for regular voluntary blood donation and urged healthy citizens to contribute.
“There is no substitute for blood. Every healthy citizen should come forward regularly to donate, as it can save lives in times of crisis,” he said.
Around 200 donors were expected to participate in the camp. Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, senior Health Department officials and other dignitaries attended the programme.
The Chief Minister said the state would continue to organise service-oriented activities as part of the campaign.
CM addresses TET-related demands
During his interaction with the media on the sidelines of the blood donation programme, Dr. Saha also spoke about recruitment-related demands, including those concerning the Teachers’ Eligibility Test.
He appealed to TET candidates to avoid agitation. He said the government was closely monitoring the matter and had already instructed the concerned department.
“I have already instructed my department regarding TET. They should stay away from such agitations; there is no need for them. Our government has been keeping a close watch, and they will get what is due to them,” he said.
Dr. Saha said the present government had created around 21,000 to 22,000 jobs during its tenure. He said teachers accounted for a significant share of the recruitment.
At the same time, he pointed to the government’s responsibilities towards existing employees and pensioners. These include payment of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the state’s financial constraints. He said Tripura continued to meet its commitments despite its dependence on central assistance. He also referred to outsourcing and contractual employment within the existing employment framework.
Focus on children’s education and self-reliance
Dr. Saha later visited the Child Care Unit at Ujan Abhoynagar. He interacted with children and students living at the facility and reviewed aspects of their welfare and development.
Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy accompanied him. Special Secretary Kuntal Das and Director L. Ranchal were also present.
The Chief Minister said the government wanted children and students at the facility to become self-reliant and economically empowered.
He asked officials to encourage them to take part in extracurricular activities along with their studies. He specifically mentioned music and yoga.
Dr. Saha also assured the children that they were not alone. He said the state government would continue to stand beside them.
“Human beings are there for one another. If this thought remains in society, it will become more beautiful and a better place for everyone to live,” he said.
He urged officials responsible for the facility to treat the children with care and give close attention to their education, well-being and overall development.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the achievements of former residents. He said several students had completed GNM, ANM and nursing courses. Others had completed undergraduate programmes. Many had secured jobs in institutions across Tripura and other parts of the country.
The children and students presented a cultural programme during the visit. They also performed yoga. Dr. Saha later distributed gifts and wished them a successful future.
Prayers at Mata Tripurasundari Temple
In the evening, Dr. Saha visited Mata Tripurasundari Temple at Matabari in Udaipur and joined the ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ programme.
Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma and BJP state president and local MLA Abhishek Debroy accompanied him.
Dr. Saha offered prayers at the temple and sought blessings for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said he prayed for the Prime Minister’s good health and long life.
In a social media post, the Chief Minister said he hoped the blessings of Mata Tripurasundari would guide the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat. He also called for renewed dedication to public service.
Gomati District Magistrate Rinku Lather, officials and local elected representatives attended the programme.
Seva Diwas observed across Tripura
September 17 marked Seva Diwas under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. The state has planned service and social outreach programmes across districts, subdivisions, blocks and panchayats.
The campaign includes blood donation drives, health awareness activities, social outreach programmes, distribution of Ashirbad Cards and diya-lighting programmes.
Dr. Saha said larger programmes would continue from September 18 to October 17, subject to the Model Code of Conduct.
He also appealed to people in Tripura to extend their blessings and good wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Chief Minister said the campaign seeks to promote service, social participation and solidarity across the state.
