High-Level Team Led by Dr. Arvind Panagariya Conducts Field Visit in West Tripura

Agartala, January 29, 2025 – A high-level 12-member delegation from the 16th Finance Commission, led by Chairman Dr. Arvind Panagariya, arrived in Tripura today to evaluate the state’s financial needs and development plans. As part of their visit, the team conducted an on-ground assessment at Paschim Majlishpur Gram Panchayat in Jirania Rural Development Block, located in West Tripura district.

Key Members and Officials Present

The delegation includes Finance Commission members A.N. Jha, Annie George Mathew, Dr. Manoj Panda, and Soumya Kanti Ghosh, along with senior officials such as 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 their field visit, they were accompanied by Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, Director of the Panchayat and Land Revenue Department, Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Jirania, and other senior government officials.

Focus of the Visit

The Finance Commission team is set to hold high-level discussions with:

• Tripura government officials
• Representatives of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC)
• Local administrative bodies

The meetings aim to assess Tripura’s financial framework, understand local governance challenges, and recommend strategies for economic growth and fiscal distribution.

Significance of the Visit

The 16th Finance Commission, constituted on December 31, 2023, is responsible for recommending the devolution of financial resources between the central and state governments for the period 2026–2031. Their visit to Tripura is a crucial step in ensuring fair allocation of funds, particularly for northeastern states facing unique economic and infrastructural challenges.

This engagement is expected to strengthen Tripura’s financial planning, helping the state secure better resources for infrastructure, rural development, and social welfare programs. Further updates on the Commission’s recommendations will follow in the coming days.