Agartala, January 31: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday claimed that the visiting 16th Finance Commission team appreciated the state government for maintaining financial discipline. His remarks came a day after the state cabinet, led by him, held a crucial meeting with the Commission.
Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the new academic and hostel building of the North East Institute of Nursing Science (NEINS) at Amtali Bypass Road in Agartala, Saha emphasized the state’s financial concerns presented to the Commission.
Saha stated that the government highlighted before the Finance Commission the massive flood damage amounting to ₹15,000 crore and the financial challenges the state faced, including its inability to provide DA to employees earlier due to alleged deprivation by the 14th Finance Commission.
He also underscored the state’s need for additional funds for infrastructure development.
The Chief Minister pointed out that 73% of Tripura’s land is forest-covered, leaving limited space for large-scale industries. However, he argued that the vast forest area plays a crucial role in carbon neutrality, and therefore, the state’s environmental incentives should be increased to 20% from the existing 10%, which was first introduced by the 15th Finance Commission.
Saha, however, refrained from making a direct statement regarding direct funding to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), a demand raised by BJP’s alliance partner TIPRA Motha before the Finance Commission.
When asked if he supported direct funding to the tribal council, the Chief Minister responded, “Right now, how can I reply to this? But I want to say we have to maintain the social fabric. Otherwise, the state will be different, and that is a big question.”
He said, “We have placed our demands before the Finance Commission keeping in mind the socio-economic development of all, as our Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions a ‘Vikshit Bharat’ and ‘Vikshit Tripura’ by 2047.”
On the ongoing agitation by STGT-qualified teacher aspirants demanding recruitment, Saha acknowledged their right to protest but clarified that the matter is sub judice, leading to delays in the recruitment process.
The meeting with the 16th Finance Commission comes at a crucial time as Tripura seeks additional financial assistance for post-flood recovery, developmental projects, and fair allocation of resources to its tribal areas.
Saha accompanied by Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder, religious guru Padma Shri Chitta Ranjan Debbarma, renowned gynecologist Dr Partha Pratim Saha also took part in releasing a magazine and inspected the infrastructure of the institutions.
