Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday underscored the indispensable role of engineers in nation-building, stating that development cannot take shape without their contribution, as they form an integral and vital part of the government system.

Addressing the 56th Annual General Conference of the State Engineers’ Association of Tripura at Nazrul Kalakshetra in Agartala, the Chief Minister said engineers are among the most relied-upon professionals in government and play a foundational role in development across all sectors.

“The government has high expectations from engineers. The foundation of development in every sector rests on you, and without engineers, it is impossible to build this foundation,” Dr. Saha said. He urged engineers to engage in introspection and discussion on past shortcomings while continuously striving for improvement.

Highlighting the importance of skill development, the Chief Minister echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on continuous learning and innovation. “Skill development is essential for everyone—be it doctors or engineers. Learning never stops, and innovation must be a constant pursuit,” he added, especially encouraging young engineers to embrace new technologies.

Dr. Saha pointed out that of the state’s budget exceeding Rs 32,000 crore, nearly Rs 7,000 crore has been earmarked for infrastructure development, reflecting the Prime Minister’s special focus on the sector. “Strong infrastructure leads to socio-economic development. If our foundation is strong, we can face any challenge,” he said.

Referring to the transition from the digital era to Artificial Intelligence, the Chief Minister noted that engineering practices have evolved significantly, even allowing work to be carried out remotely. “Engineers are the backbone of governance. From smartphones and laptops to advanced technology, everything is shaped by their hands. Among all government departments, engineers are the most trusted,” he remarked.

He further stated that the problem-solving ability of engineers is unmatched by any other profession and called for collective efforts to enhance the pride and reputation of Tripura’s engineering community.

Dr. Saha also emphasized the inclusion of women engineers in fieldwork whenever required and urged higher authorities to take necessary steps to ensure their proper utilization.

“The organization should remain work-oriented, and this conference should focus on addressing internal issues, strengths, and areas for improvement,” the Chief Minister concluded.