FM demand for more benefits from 16th FC, spl attention on revenue deficit due to Bangladesh situation

A significant meeting was held on Monday in New Delhi under the initiative of the 16th Finance Commission regarding the economic situation of the North-Eastern states. The Finance Minister of the state, Pranajit Singha Roy, participated in the meeting and highlighted the state’s economic situation and strongly batted for help for the state's overall development and infrastructure building.

He placed special emphasis on the development of tribal and backward areas and requested the Finance Commission for special financial support in this regard. He said that due to the geographical disadvantage of the state, significant financial allocation is required, especially for improving the road and railway communication system.

Singha Roy has sought the 16th Finance Commission's special attention to the state's possible revenue deficit as its socio-economic condition has been impacted by political instability in Bangladesh.

The economy of the Northeastern state, surrounded by Bangladesh on three sides, heavily depends on bilateral ties and export-import between the two sides, he said.

"The state's economy and revenue collection are largely dependent on Indo-Bangla relations and export and import. Given the prevailing situation- political instability, the state's socio-economic condition is adversely impacted. The medical tourism in the state is also hit by the present situation in the neighbouring country", Singha Roy stated in the meeting.

He urged the Finance Commission to "pay special attention to the state's possible deficit in revenue collection" in the wake of the present situation in Bangladesh.

He further urged a hike of 20 percent financial allocation in sectors like forestry and ecology. He also demanded special financial aid for the development of tourism and other industries in the state. The Finance Minister presented detailed information on the overall development plans of the state. He emphasized that to overcome the backwardness of the state, it is necessary to provide more facilities and financial support. He also presented the state’s vision of long-term sustainable development.

Singha Roy also demanded special grants for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) for its overall development.

"During Monsoon, road connectivity and railway service suffer, disrupting supply lines to the state. Therefore, I urge the Finance Commission to allocate additional funds to handle such development," he said.

Earlier, North Eastern Council secretary Satinder Kumar Bhalla held a meeting with the officials of the state administration in Shillong on July 4.

Issues related to setting up an energy park and a diabetes research centre at Agartala, a gas-based power plant at Barmura and building a trauma centre in Dhalai district's Ambassa were discussed in the meeting, an official said.