Reiterating the state government's commitment to making Tripura drug-free, Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Wednesday directed officials across all levels of the administration to intensify the fight against narcotics through a coordinated, strict and result-oriented approach.
Chairing a meeting of the Task Monitoring System through video conferencing from Conference Hall No. 2 of the State Secretariat, the Chief Minister said there should be zero tolerance towards drug-related crimes. He stressed that every level of the administration must work in close coordination to eliminate the menace of drugs from society.
"If necessary, special task forces should be constituted to conduct operations against drug traffickers and other criminal activities," he said, directing the police to strengthen surveillance and intensify patrolling, particularly around schools, colleges and other crime-prone areas. He also instructed officials to ensure round-the-clock CCTV surveillance and additional police deployment around GB Hospital to keep the area free from criminal activities.
Highlighting the importance of maintaining a clean environment to boost tourism, the Chief Minister noted that Tripura has gained national recognition for its tourism potential. He directed district administrations and concerned departments to ensure cleanliness and regular inspections at all major tourist destinations, including Chabimura, Unakoti, Dumbur and Neermahal.
Reviewing preparations for the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, scheduled from August 9 to 17, Dr. Saha instructed District Magistrates to make comprehensive arrangements for its successful implementation. He informed that the main state-level programme will be held at Ujjayanta Palace on August 11 and urged citizens from all sections of society to participate actively in the national campaign.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the education sector and said the government has undertaken significant initiatives to improve schools across the state. He directed officials to regularly monitor school infrastructure, cleanliness, updated notice boards and teaching standards. District Magistrates were instructed to intensify school inspections, warning that negligence in discharging official responsibilities would not be tolerated. He also urged government officials to interact with the public politely and carry out their duties with patience and understanding.
During the meeting, Dr Saha reviewed the status of roads, electricity supply and drinking water services across the state, stressing the need for close coordination among departments for prompt resolution of public issues. He also sought updates on district hospitals, social welfare department-run homes, hostels, child vaccination programmes, the Public Distribution System, Anganwadi centres and veterinary health centres. Officials informed him that approximately 85–86 per cent of the assigned work had already been completed, and he directed them to finish the remaining work at the earliest.
Expressing concern over water scarcity in districts such as Khowai, the Chief Minister asked officials to adopt innovative and practical measures to address the problem. He also reviewed the progress of the operationalisation of Kailashahar Airport and sought a detailed report from the concerned authorities.
Emphasizing the need for a more citizen-centric administration, Dr. Saha said public services must be delivered with sensitivity, courtesy and respect. He instructed District Magistrates to maintain overall supervision of district administration and ensure effective coordination among all departments. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police and urged them to continue working with sincerity, dedication and responsibility for the welfare of the people.
At the beginning of the meeting, Chief Minister's Secretary Kiran Gitte, who is also Secretary of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, gave a detailed presentation on the functioning of the Task Monitoring System. The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, Directors and other senior government officials. District Magistrates, district police officials and other concerned officers from all eight districts participated virtually.