The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Agartala Branch, organised a Vartalap programme titled ’12 Years of Trust, Development and Public Welfare’ at the Agartala Press Club on Wednesday. Speakers highlighted the Centre’s welfare initiatives, infrastructure expansion, economic reforms and Tripura’s development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the past 12 years.
Agartala, July 8: The Agartala Branch of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) organised a Vartalap programme titled “12 Years of Trust, Development and Public Welfare” (12 Saal Vishwas ke, Vikas ke, Jan Kalyan ke) at the Agartala Press Club on Wednesday.
The event mainly served as a media workshop. Journalists, academicians and members of the public also attended the programme.
Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee attended as the chief guest. Pranab Sarkar, President of the Agartala Press Club and Editor of Headlines Tripura, was the guest of honour.
The panel of speakers included Dr. Ratan Deb, former Principal-in-Charge of Bir Bikram Memorial College, Debasish Lodh, retired Assistant Director of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, and Professor Paresh Debnath of MBB College.
Speakers Review 12 Years of Governance
The discussion focused on the Centre’s development initiatives over the last 12 years. Speakers highlighted achievements in welfare, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, women’s empowerment and economic reforms.
Rajib Bhattacharjee described the period as “Baaro Saal Bemisal”. He said the government’s initiatives have reached every section of society, including farmers, workers, women and economically weaker families.
He said public welfare remained a priority throughout the period. At the same time, the government strengthened national unity and security.
Financial Inclusion and Direct Benefit Transfers
Bhattacharjee said financial inclusion has been one of the government’s major achievements.
He said the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana enabled millions of people to open bank accounts for the first time. According to him, deposits in Jan Dhan accounts have crossed ₹3 lakh crore.
He said universal banking access has strengthened the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Government assistance now reaches beneficiaries directly. This has reduced the role of intermediaries and improved transparency. He added that the system has also strengthened rural economies.
Welfare Schemes Reach Millions
The Rajya Sabha MP highlighted several flagship schemes.
These included:
- Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
- Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
- PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi
He said the Vocal for Local campaign encourages people to purchase indigenous products. Mudra loans have helped small entrepreneurs expand their businesses.
Bhattacharjee added that more than 10 crore LPG connections have been provided under the Ujjwala scheme. Farmers continue to receive direct financial assistance through PM-Kisan.
Tripura Witnesses Major Infrastructure Growth
Bhattacharjee said Tripura has recorded significant infrastructure growth over the past decade.
He said the state now has nine National Highways compared to only one earlier.
Rail connectivity has expanded up to Sabroom through broad-gauge lines. The survey for an alternative railway route via Kailashahar has also been completed.
He described Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport as one of the best airports in Northeast India.
The MP also referred to the Prime Minister’s HIRA vision—Highways, I-Ways, Railways and Airways. He said the initiative has transformed connectivity across Tripura.
Healthcare Expansion and AIIMS Demand
Bhattacharjee said healthcare infrastructure has expanded considerably across India.
He noted that 17 AIIMS institutions are now functioning in different parts of the country.
He also said a proposal has been raised to establish an AIIMS in Tripura.
According to him, the government’s overall objective has been to strengthen the country in every sector.
Stable Government Driving Economic Growth
Dr. Ratan Deb said political stability is essential for sustained development.
He said India has witnessed stable governance over the last 12 years. As a result, economic growth has accelerated.
According to him, India’s economy has grown to nearly USD 4.3 trillion, while GDP continues to expand.
Dr. Deb referred to observations made by British economist Martin Wolf, who has projected that India could emerge as a major economic power by 2047.
He also said reforms introduced over the last decade have increased transparency in financial transactions. Startup promotion, business reforms and improved connectivity have further strengthened the economy.
Agriculture Remains at the Centre of Growth
Debasish Lodh focused on agriculture and rural development.
He said agriculture remains the backbone of the country’s economy. Therefore, strengthening farmers remains a national priority.
Lodh highlighted the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. He said financial assistance reaches farmers directly through one of the world’s largest Direct Benefit Transfer systems.
He also referred to initiatives such as:
- Kisan Sarathi
- Kisan e-Mitra
- Soil Health Cards
- Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
According to him, these programmes have improved farm productivity, supported employment and contributed to overall economic growth.
Women’s Empowerment Through Government Schemes
Professor Paresh Debnath highlighted programmes designed to improve women’s socio-economic status.
He referred to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, vocational training programmes, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and the Lakhpati Didi Scheme.
He said these initiatives have created new livelihood opportunities for women across the country.
According to him, nearly three crore women have benefited under the Lakhpati Didi initiative.
PM Mudra and PM-Kisan Help Rural Economy
Pranab Sarkar said the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana has expanded access to collateral-free credit for small entrepreneurs.
He said the scheme has strengthened the rural economy and improved the financial condition of many low-income families.
Referring to the latest PM-Kisan instalment, Sarkar said 216,603 farmers in Tripura received benefits under the scheme’s 32nd instalment.
He said ₹43.32 crore was transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the DBT system.
Sarkar concluded that welfare programmes for farmers, workers, women and economically weaker sections continue to support inclusive growth and contribute to India’s overall development.
