Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr ) Manik Saha said the state is using media reports and modern technology in Task Monitoring System to improve administrative responsiveness. He said such fortnightly meetings with line departments help officials examine reported issues, speed up decisions and strengthen accountability and governance.
3 Key Takeaways
- Task Monitoring System uses media reports to identify issues requiring government action.
- Technology-enabled meetings with line departments help speed up decisions and track follow-up action.
- Chief Minister-led such fortnightly monitoring practice is one of its kind in the country.
Agartala August 15: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr) Manik Saha has highlighted the state’s technology-driven Task Monitoring System as a tool for faster administrative action. He said the mechanism uses issues reported by the media to facilitate discussions with concerned departments and improve government response.
Dr Saha made the remarks while inaugurating a newly installed lift at the Agartala Press Club on August 15. He said journalists play an important role in highlighting public concerns, fundamental rights and issues related to justice.
The Chief Minister described the media as the voice of ordinary people and a mirror of society. He also said the people place immense trust in the media.
How Task Monitoring System Works
Explaining the mechanism, Dr Saha said media reports serve as important inputs for the Task Monitoring System. Issues highlighted by newspapers, television channels and digital media can be taken up for administrative review when they require government intervention.
The concerned matters are then placed before the relevant line departments. Saha said the government uses modern technology to conduct meetings and discussions with these departments.
Officials examine the issues during these meetings. They discuss possible solutions and decide on the necessary course of action. The system also enables the administration to monitor the progress of follow-up measures.
Dr Saha said this technology-based process is helping speed up decision-making. It allows the government to respond more quickly to issues highlighted in the media.
In effect, the system creates a structured link between media reports, departmental discussions, administrative decisions and follow-up action. This can help prevent important public issues from being overlooked.
One of Its Kind System
Dr Saha said the Task Monitoring System led directly by the Chief Minister is one of its kind in the country.
He said no other state, to his knowledge, has a similar practice in which the Chief Minister holds discussions in every fortnight with senior administrative officials based on issues highlighted in various media reports.
The Chief Minister said reviews during the discussion provide an opportunity to examine issues raised in the media and seek responses from the concerned departments.
The practice, he said, is increasing administrative accountability ensuring good governance while also demonstrating the importance of the media in governance.
Technology Aims to Speed Up Administrative Decisions
Dr Saha said modern technology has strengthened the monitoring process. It helps the government place issues before the appropriate departments, conduct discussions in hybrid mode and follow up on the action required.
The system can also help senior officials assess whether departments have acted on matters brought to their attention. Regular reviews create a mechanism for tracking progress and encouraging timely responses.
The Chief Minister said the ultimate objective is to address issues affecting people and improve governance.
He expressed hope that media organisations would view government initiatives constructively. He also urged the media to continue highlighting matters that require public and administrative attention.
Role of Media in Good Governance
The Chief Minister said the media has a significant responsibility in a democratic society. News reports often bring public grievances and local problems into wider public view.
He said the media can therefore contribute to governance by identifying issues that require administrative intervention.
Dr Saha also called for greater emphasis on collective responsibility. He said people should move beyond individual interests and give greater importance to collective goals.
According to him, performing one’s duty should not be viewed only as a personal achievement. A broader approach, he said, can help address many challenges more effectively.
CM Refers to Scribe Murder Cases
During the programme, Dr Saha also referred to the killings of journalists Shantanu Bhowmik and Sudip Datta Bhowmik.
He said efforts are continuing at the appropriate levels to establish the facts surrounding the two cases. The Chief Minister said repeated efforts are being made to uncover the truth behind the killings.
Government Support for Media
Secretary of the Department of Information and Culture Kiran Gitte said the media has played an important role in keeping India’s democracy strong over the past 80 years.
He described the present state government as media-friendly. Gitte said the government has made efforts to address demands raised by media organisations.
Agartala Press Club President Pranab Sarkar said the state government has introduced several welfare initiatives for journalists including raising pension from Rs 1000 to Rs 10,00 per month and introducing family pension. He also highlighted government support for strengthening media infrastructure like installation of lift etc.
₹78 Lakh Lift Installed at Agartala Press Club
Agartala Press Club Secretary Ramakanta Dey said nearly ₹78 lakh was spent on installing the newly inaugurated lift.
Director of the Department of Information and Culture Bimbisar Bhattacharya was also present at the programme. The Agartala Press Club felicitated the guests with mementoes.
Senior journalist Asim Bhattacharya donated ₹5,000 to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) during the event.
The programme highlighted a growing link between the media fraternity and governance in Tripura.