Agartala, Tripura Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy presented the State Budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year in the Assembly on Friday, emphasizing the concept of ‘Sustainable Development’ as a cornerstone of the Tripura Budget 2025-26, drawing inspiration from the Union Budget 2025-26. While detailing Tripura’s growth strategy, he positioned ‘Sustainable Development’ as one of six key priorities for the state government, signaling a commitment to balanced and forward-looking progress.
Understanding Sustainable Development
The principle of sustainable development encompasses short-term, medium-term, and long-term advancement. Financial experts commented, “Sustainable Development” seeks to meet the needs of today’s generation without compromising the prospects of those to come, focusing on the creation of enduring physical and human resources. For a resource-constrained state like Tripura, this ambitious roadmap, though seemingly very big dream, remains within reach with strategic planning and execution.
Core Priorities of Tripura Budget 2025-26
The Finance Department’s budget documents explicitly list six pivotal priorities, with sustainable development at the forefront. According to a senior official, this vision hinges on three pillars: Quality Infrastructure, Ease of Doing Business, and Citizen-Centric Governance. These elements aim to address immediate needs while laying a robust foundation for future generations. Complementary priorities such as Skill Development, Capacity Building, and the integration of Information Technology and Reforms are designed to equip Tripura’s youth to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world.
Boosting Capital Expenditure for Growth
A significant highlight of the budget is the increased allocation for capital expenditure, set at Rs 7,903.26 crore—an impressive Rs 1,269.46 crore jump from the 2024-25 estimates. Finance Department officials emphasized that this allocation is a linchpin for developing ‘Quality Infrastructure’ across the state. As infrastructure projects roll out, they are expected to stimulate market demand by channeling funds into diverse societal segments, while simultaneously creating long-lasting assets for public use.
A Track Record of Asset Creation
Historical data underscores the government’s focus on infrastructure investment. Over six consecutive years—from 2020-21 to 2025-26—capital expenditure allocations have seen a remarkable surge. Starting at Rs 1,576 crore in 2020-21, the figure climbed steadily to Rs 3,739 crore in 2023-24. The momentum accelerated with a sharp rise to Rs 7,728 crore in 2024-25, culminating in the current Rs 7,903 crore for 2025-26. This upward trajectory, bolstered by centrally sponsored schemes, is poised to supercharge the state’s pursuit of quality infrastructure.
Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Governance
To enhance governance and business-friendliness, Finance Minister Roy spotlighted ongoing initiatives. The government is leveraging Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models and collaborating with institutions like the National Law University, Tripura, to review and repeal outdated regulations that hinder business operations. Additionally, the Tripura Institution for Transformation (TIFT) has forged Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with prestigious institutions such as IIM Calcutta and the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, to drive transformative reforms.
Fostering Youth Entrepreneurship and Skills
In his address, Roy announced that TIFT will launch ‘SMART Sprouts,’ a program targeting students from Class VIII to XII to cultivate an entrepreneurial ecosystem among Tripura’s youth.
On the skill development front, the state has rolled out the Tripura Skill and Entrepreneurship Policy 2024, alongside the Skill Uday Tongai 2025 initiative under the Mukhyamantri Dakhyata Unnayan Prakalpa.
To align with Industry 4.0 standards, the Industries and Commerce Department, in partnership with Tata Technologies Limited (TTL), is upgrading 19 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to bridge skill gaps in emerging technologies and boost employability.
Investments in Innovation and Education
With an estimated investment of Rs 108.90 crore, funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), the state plans to establish an Incubation & Innovation Park to nurture startups and entrepreneurship.
In a bid to expand access to higher education, Women’s College will be elevated to Women’s University, while Tripura Institute of Technology (TIT) will transform into a State Technical University. Additionally, three new degree colleges will open in Ambassa, Kakraban, and Karbook, broadening educational opportunities.
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Strengthening IT and Cybersecurity
The government has earmarked Rs 65.40 crore over 5 years to bolster the Tripura State Data Centre (TSDC). This funding will enhance computing capabilities, expand storage capacity, and establish a robust cybersecurity framework. Existing skill and career development programs will also persist, ensuring continuity in human resource development.
A Vision for the Future
The State Budget proposals are not limited to only six key priorities. As the State agriculture dependent, the State Budget increased Agri-sector allocation in 2025-26 by 9.49%. A new scheme named ‘Mukhyamantri Sashya Shamala Yojana’ proposed in the Budget with an allocation of Rs 5 crore.
According to Budget documents, in health sector, Budget allocation increased by 12.89% compared to the previous FY. Enhancing rural health care system will continue.
Coaching centers for Science and English subject for students of Class XI and Class XII will be set up in every sub-division. Considering the number of Science students, three Coaching centers would be opened. For this purpose, Rs 7 crore has been earmarked in the State Budget 2025-26.
