Agartala, January 30: The 16th Finance Commission, led by Chairman Arvind Panagariya, commenced its four-day visit to Tripura on Wednesday, engaging in a series of high-level discussions with the state government and various stakeholders.
Chief Minister Manik Saha welcomed Panagariya and his team with flowers ahead of a crucial meeting at the state Secretariat on Thursday.
The delegation is set to interact with Cabinet Ministers and top officials to deliberate on financial allocations and economic strategies.
During their stay, the commission will also engage with representatives of Panchayati Raj institutions, urban local bodies, the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), leaders from different political parties, and trade and industry representatives. Additionally, the team will visit key tourist destinations in Gomati, Sepahijala, and West Tripura districts.
Constituted on December 31, 2023, the 16th Finance Commission is tasked with recommending financial devolution measures for the five-year period starting April 1, 2026. The panel includes Ajay Narayan Jha, Annie George Mathew, Manoj Panda, and Soumya Kanti Ghosh as full-time members.
Having already visited various northeastern states, the commission is expected to provide its recommendations by October 31, 2025. These suggestions will play a crucial role in shaping the financial framework for the upcoming years, influencing state allocations and economic policies.
