Agartala, Jan 30, 2025, TRIPURATIMES Desk
Agartala, Jan 30: The Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) submitted a memorandum to the 16th Finance Commission, highlighting the state's economic struggles and demands for increased financial support.
President of Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee, Ashish Saha during a press conference on Thursday stated that Tripura is a land-locked state which heavily depends on agriculture, cottage industries, and government services, with 70% of the population living below the poverty line and a high cost of living due to reliance on imported essential goods. The state carries a debt burden of Rs. 22,000 crores, with public funds being drained by corruption in MGNREGA, PMAY, and national highway construction under BJP rule, Saha added.
Government employees and pensioners face severe financial deprivation, with state employees earning significantly lower wages than their central and other state counterparts, and pensioners receiving minimal benefits compared to central government retirees, he added.
TPCC demanded an increase in central tax share from 42% to 50% and additional funds for natural resource-based industries like gas, bamboo, rubber, and agarwood to boost employment and reduce poverty. The state seeks urgent flood relief funds, improved disaster management, and dredging of rivers to mitigate recurrent flooding in Agartala and other regions, Saha stated.
More grants are requested for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), which covers three-fourths of the state but receives a budget lower than Agartala Municipal Corporation. TPCC urges strict vigilance on MGNREGA, a hike in daily wages to Rs. 500, and increased funding for urban development in Agartala and other municipalities.
The Congress also demanded pending DA/DR payments before the 8th Pay Commission implementation in 2026 and restoration of the commuted pension amount after 12 years instead of 15. TPCC called for improved governance and administrative work culture to ensure efficiency and accountability in state affairs.