Agartala, Jan 26 (IANS): On the occasion of the 70th Republic Day, Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki on Saturday urged the people to help make Tripura a model state.

"The Tripura government has taken a series of steps to make Tripura a model state within the next few years. All sections of the people should support the state government's endeavour," the Governor said after unfurling the national flag at the ceremonial function at the Assam Rifles ground here.

He said that to curb corruption and to provide transparent governance, the state government has been utilising various technologies in a large number of schemes, projects and services.

Solanki said Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has also undertaken a vigorous mission to make the state a "drug free".

"During the past 10 months, 67,000 kg cannabis has been seized in different parts of the state. With the curbing of drug related activities, general crime and violence against women were also reduced to a substantial extent," he said.

"To undertake a white revolution in the state, the Chief Minister has already announced to provide 5,000 cows to 10,000 families for their economic empowerment and also to make availability of milk in the state."

The Governor also spoke about the state government's plan to implement 10 per cent reservation for women in the police department.

Solanki said that to improve connectivity, the Central has launched many express trains linking Tripura. The Agartala airport would be made an internationally standard airport.

"Process already initiated to make a new water-ways in between Tripura and Bangladesh to boost trade, tourism and people to people contact between the two countries."