In SDG Conclave 2020, Tripura CM demanded changing funding pattern. Talked about 16 SDG targets, listed achievement combating poverty and hunger, empower women
Enewstime Desk
Agartala, February 24, 2020: Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb demanded revision of existing 50:50 funding pattern to 90:10 for various schemes like Smart City for North Eastern States. He also pitched for more power and funds to North Eastern Council (NEC) and simplification of procedures for projects under Externally Aided Project (EAP). Tripura Chief Minister raised these demands at three-day Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Conclave 2020 at Guwahati today.
What is SDG Conclave 2020?
SDG Conclave 2020 focuses on “Partnerships, Cooperation and Development of North-Eastern States”. In view of vibrant human resources, varied agro-climatic conditions, potentiality in agro-based activities and being a bio-diversity hotspot, the region needs strong co-operation between Central and State Governments, civil societies and other stake holders for realizing 16 SDG targets enabling this region to catch up with better performing States, NITI Aayog document mentioned.
It also added, the conclave which is being organised under the umbrella theme of Government of India, “Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat” (One India, Great India) plans to achieve inclusive development focusing on thematic areas viz. economic growth, connectivity, social & human development, which are aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SDG Conclave 2020 will hold several technical sessions and discuss about strengths, weaknesses and challenges for attaining SDGs in the North East region.
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In the Conclave, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said, Tripura has successfully formulated its Vision 2030 along with 7 Year Strategy, 3 Year Action Plan and State Indicator Framework document highlighting key focus areas of current interventions after due localization.
Deb dwelt on top seven goals out of total 16 SDG to elaborate State Government’s steps in taking the State forward. These top seven goals include: End poverty, end hunger and achieve food security, healthy life, quality and equitable education, empowering womenfolk, availability of water and sanitation, doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
Tripura: Combating poverty, hunger
Deb pointed out that Labour Budget for 2019-20 was enhanced to Rs 4 crore compared to Rs 3 crore during 2018-19 to realize target of increased man-days under MNREGA. Besides, State Government stressed on bringing more people under the ambit PMAY.
“Paddy procurement by FCI proved to be a major boon for farmers of the State. In addition, under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, as input support, Rs.138.03 crore was transferred to 1,97,537 bank account of small and marginal farmers of the State out of total 2,21,000 cases uploaded”, he said and mentioned about achievement in extending Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to bring more farmers under its coverage.
The Chief Minister mentioned about empowering around 2,84,053 rural women through formation of SHGs etc under National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). He also said that the rates of social pensions had also been enhanced to Rs.1000 per month benefitting more than 4 lakh social pensioners of various vulnerable sections.
He mentioned about rubber and Bamboo plantations, pineapple exports etc for generating sustainable income sources and said, development of Tourism and other service sectors would open new avenues for skilled people.
Commenting on health sector, Biplab Deb listed out achievements under Ayushman Bharat scheme in the State and said, total 9,12,996 e-cards have been distributed in Tripura under the scheme. He also pointed out that the State Government had introduced a new Health Assurance Scheme – Ayushman Tripura which would benefit around 3,56,000 people.
On quality education, Deb explained all the initiatives taken by his government for ensuring quality education and strengthening the entire education system. He spoke on Natun Disha, Shiksha Darpan Mobile App, introduction of NCERT syllabus and centralized examination papers, Mission 30:30 and amendment in detention policy.
Echoing the theme of the conclave, Deb said, “Our Government is committed to working with both internal and external stakeholders to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth and social development along with environmental protection.”