Agartala : Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Monday said that he is mulling to speak with senior leaders in the Centre to introduce the Smart City Mission project 2.0 to carry out more development works in the state.

Dr. Saha said this after laying the foundation stones for the development and beautification of Shiv Bari Pond on Central Road, a lake in Ujan Abhoynagar, and the Veterinary Hospital Lake under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme.

“Under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme, three ponds will be developed and beautified in Agartala city. We have received 90% of the funds from the Centre and 10% from the state. Similarly, the Smart City Mission project is ongoing. Around Rs 500 Crore was provided to our state under the Smart City Mission Project. Through this mission, we have developed many things. I will speak with our leaders in Delhi for Smart City 2.0, similar to AMRUT 2.0 so that we can continue more development works,” said Dr. Saha.

He further mentioned that people visiting from outside are impressed by the development in Tripura.  “Tripura has changed significantly in terms of law and order and development. We are continuously conducting development works because PM Modi emphasizes development. We must take responsibility to maintain our lakes and ponds and ensure their beautification.

Whenever floods occur, people criticize us, but what do we see? A huge amount of garbage, bottles, debris, etc. Everyone must take responsibility. Why was there no development or maintenance of ponds in and around Agartala earlier? We do not want to politicize development,” said the Chief Minister.

Tripura government has singed a MoU with National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) to integrate digital skills into academics.

Niti Aayog on X (formerly Twitter) said that in a major move to enhance digital skills and innovation, the Tripura government and National Association of Software and Service Companies have signed an MoU to integrate FutureSkills Prime (A MeiTY – Nasscom Digital Skilling Initiative) into the academic ecosystem.

“This collaboration facilitated under the State Support Mission of NITI Aayog, aims to equip the youth with expertise in AI, ML, blockchain, and more, aligning with India’s vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047,” the post reads.

The Niti Aayog further said that this strategic partnership aims to enhance the capabilities of Tripura’s growing youth populace and potential workforce, equipping them with the necessary digital skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Adding to this, NASSCOM said, “Transformation ahead! This MoU is to integrate digital skills into the academics. This strategic move, facilitated by NITI Aayog, will empower our youth with AI, ML, blockchain skills, and more. Here’s to a digitally advanced India!”.

The MoU was signed by Education Secretary Raval Hamendra Kumar, and NASSCOM Strategy and Operations Head Dr Upmith Singh in the presence of NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam, MeiTY Secretary S Krishnan, President NASSCOM Debjani Ghosh and Chief Resident Commissioner Manoj Kumar.