Substantial increase in budget from 2017-18 to 2023-24 FY: Dr Saha

In an appeal to opposition political parties, Tripura Chief Minister  Dr Manik Saha urged them to join the BJP-led government in a united effort to develop the state and achieve the vision of 'Ek Tripura Srestha Tripura'.

During discussions on the budget for the 2023-24 financial year, Chief Minister Dr Saha emphasized the importance of balanced development in both urban and rural areas. The budget was designed to ensure overall progress and prosperity for the state.

Dr. Saha highlighted the substantial increase in the budget from Rs 12,442 crore in the 2017-18 financial year to Rs 27,654 crore in 2023-24, representing a growth of 122.27%, more than double the previous amount.

“We have kept Rs 100 crores for opening a Unity Mall in which stalls of unique products of the state as well as from other states will be available here. For this land was already identified. This reflects the example of Unity in diversity and following this, the budget was placed”, he said.

Dr Saha said that this time the government has stressed capital expenditure for permanent structures so that investors will come, unemployed will get work.

“For this, the Finance Minister has kept Rs 5, 358 crore. I want to thank to the finance minister for such an initiative. There are many investors who want to invest here and are looking for infrastructure”, he said.

He also criticized CPIM MLA Jitendra Chowhudry’s statement and said, “I was unable to find anything wrong in this budget. We will give scooty to girls. Earlier we used to give bicycles. I didn’t find anything wrong with it. Because of the budget sports people will also be helpful. Earlier we have seen how sportspersons were identified based on their political color but now we don’t select them on that basis. We want the development of sportspersons. If we achieve profit in fish cultivation then how this budget is directionless?  The effort of fish cultivation will help in boosting economic development in the state”.

The CM said that this present government is working for everyone starting from ST, SC, OBC and Transgender people.

“No one could think about Ayushman Bharat. Everyone will be benefitted from it. It is a very good scheme and sad to see that opposition didn’t support it. The new health scheme is neither for CPIM, Congress nor for BJP too but for each and everyone. Everything is not possible in one year. Every year we will introduce many things and will work for development. We want to make Tripura into a model state. Whatever we assured in the budget we will do in this one year. Everyone’s cooperation is needed for development. Please come and let show India that in Tripura all the opposition political parties came together for the development of Tripura. We will come to Assembly and will raise voices but in terms of development, we will work together. Then we can make ‘Ek Tripura Srestha Tripura’”, added CM.