Agartala, January 30, 2025: Tripura’s economy is well-managed, and the state’s financial position remains strong, said the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, Dr. Arvind Panagariya, while addressing a press conference in Agartala on Thursday. He highlighted that Tripura’s dependence on agriculture is around 30-35 percent, which is lower than the national average.
Dr. Panagariya, who is leading a 12-member delegation, arrived in Tripura on Wednesday. This morning, a crucial meeting was held at the state secretariat in the presence of Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha and his cabinet colleagues. The delegation included Finance Commission members A N Jha, Annie George Mathew, Dr. Manoj Panda, and Somyakanti Ghosh, along with Commission Secretary Hrithik Pandey, Joint Secretary Rahul Jain, Director K Balaji, Joint Director Kumar Vivek, Deputy Director Sandeep Kumar, PPS Meena Mahendu, and Cashier Rajesh Kumar Sharma.
During the press conference, Dr. Panagariya elaborated on the commission’s role, explaining, “Every five years, the Finance Commission is constituted to determine the tax revenue distribution between the Centre and states. It also decides on grants, including special allocations for specific developmental needs.”
He emphasized that Tripura’s economic trajectory reflects rapid urbanization despite its per capita income being lower than the national average. The state government has sought a 50 percent share of tax revenue from the Centre in its recommendations to the commission.
Dr. Panagariya assured that the commission is aware of the challenges faced by North East India, including Tripura, stating, “The issues in this region are similar, and they will be considered while making recommendations to the President.” He informed that the 16th Finance Commission has already visited 17 states, including Tripura, and plans to visit 11 more states in the coming days.
Notably, in the North East, only Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh remain to be visited. Concluding his address, Dr. Panagariya reiterated, “Tripura’s economy is well-managed, and its financial health is strong. The state has a lower dependency on agriculture compared to the national trend, which indicates diversification and resilience.”
The meeting also focused on Tripura’s infrastructural development, regional challenges, and strategies for comprehensive growth, reinforcing the government’s commitment to a progressive economic roadmap.
