TMP Seeks Direct Funding to ADC, Oppn demands more tax devaluation in meeting with Finance Commission
Ruling BJP's ally in Tripura, TIPRA Motha and opposition parties - CPIM and Congress held discussions with the visiting 16th Finance Commission team in Agartala on Thursday.
All the parties placed separate demands and suggestions before the finance panel.
Tipra Motha Pushes for Direct Funding to TTAADC
Speaking to the media after the meeting, TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma reiterated the party’s longstanding demand for direct funding to the TTAADC.
“As per Article 280 of the Constitution, the Government of India is obligated to provide direct funding to autonomous district councils,” he asserted.
The TIPRA Motha supremo pointed out that despite covering nearly 68% of Tripura’s geographical area, the ADC receives only 1.7% of the state budget.
“This funding disparity has hindered the development of tribal areas,” he said, stressing that the Finance Commission must address the issue in its recommendations to the central government.
He further stated that discussions with the Commission had covered a range of financial concerns, and the party was now awaiting the final report to see how the central government responds.
Tipra Motha, which is a constituent of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), currently holds power in the TTAADC. The party has been vocal about greater financial autonomy for tribal areas, arguing that direct funding would help accelerate development initiatives and improve governance in the ADC-administered regions.
CPIM Presents 15-Point Charter of Demands
The CPIM state committee also submitted a memorandum to the Finance Commission on Thursday, detailing a comprehensive 15-point charter of demands.
A key demand was an increase in Tripura’s share of net tax proceeds from the Union Government to at least 50% from existing 41%, which the party believes is necessary to meet the state’s growing developmental needs.
The memorandum also called for adequate grants to ensure the timely execution of both ongoing and proposed projects.
The CPIM stressed the importance of financial support for three-tier governance, including Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
The party also demanded special financial allocations to compensate for forest cover losses, property damages caused by border fencing, and other socio-economic challenges unique to the state.
Besides, the party urged an expansion of the Tripura Urban Employment Programme (TUEP) across all ULBs in Tripura to boost employment opportunities. It also called for a 100% increase in allocations under the State Disaster Relief Fund, citing Tripura’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
Another major demand put forth by the CPIM was the allocation of adequate funds to provide legitimate Dearness Allowances (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) to state government employees, pensioners, and family pensioners.
The party insisted that employees under the TTAADC, as well as those in autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, should receive DA and DR at the same level as their counterparts in the central government, in accordance with the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
“The financial well-being of state employees is crucial for the overall economic stability of Tripura,” a CPIM leader said. “Ensuring that their benefits are on par with central employees will help address salary disparities and boost morale.”
Several senior political leaders were part of the discussions with the Finance Commission. The CPIM delegation included former ministers Bhanulal Saha and Ratan Bhowmik, along with former TTAADC Chief Executive Member Radhacharan Debbarma.
While the BJP-led state government has been making its own appeals for increased funding, it's ally and the opposition parties are pushing for a more equitable and transparent distribution of financial resources.
The 16th Finance Commission, which is currently on a nationwide consultation tour, has already visited 17 states, including Tripura.
The panel's report outlining its recommendations for tax devolution and financial allocations to states and union territories will be available after being submitted in October 2025.
(Tripura, Northeast)
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