The state Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy on Friday presented Rs 32423.44 Crore tax free budget with an increase of 16.61 percent over the BE 2024-25. The Capital Expenditure is projected at Rs. 7903.26 Cr with an increase of 19.14 percent over the BE 2024-25.
The budget mainly focused on welfare and economic growth with the government announcing new schemes aimed at job seekers, mentally challenged individuals, and visitors to the state capital, among others.
Presenting the budget, the finance minister announced new scheme – ‘Mukhyamantri Balika Samriddhi Yojana’ to provide financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to a new born girl child of ‘Antodyaya’ (poor) family. Upon turning 18, this bond will mature into an amount ranging between Rs 8 to Rs 10 lakh, helping in securing the girl’s future.
A Budget provision of Rs 15 crore is allocated for the scheme for the year 2025-26. The scheme aims to uplift the social status and standard of living of the female citizens in Tripura state.
The finance minister proposed ‘Mukhyamantri Konya Bibaha Yojana’. Under this, the State Government will cover the cost of marriage for a girl child from Antyodaya family. An amount of Rs.50,000 will be spent by the State Government. Mass marriage will be conducted at Sub-Division level. An amount of Rs.10 Cr is allocated for this purpose.
The minister proposed to launch ‘Mukhyamantri Sashya Shyamala Yojana’ during 2025-26 for promoting high yielding varieties of crops. A budget provision of Rs. 5 (five) Cr is allocated initially for the same for the year 2025-26.
To make sure that people from other places of the state who get stuck due to various reasons, get accommodation at night in Agartala city and also get subsidized food at night, the minister proposed to set up ‘Bharat Mata Canteen cum Night Shelter’ at Agartala. A budget provision of Rs. 2 Crore is allocated for the scheme.
Roy told the House that the government would launch 'Chief Minister's Scheme for Mentally Challenged Persons' under which mentally challenged persons would be given a monthly pension of Rs 5,000. Those who are already getting Rs 2,000 per month as disability pension, would get additional Rs 3,000 per month. An amount of Rs 40 crore has been allocated for this scheme.
The budget also proposed setting up of ‘Centre for Computer Based Examinations’ at Hapania International Fair Ground for computer-based online examinations, so that aspirants do not need to travel outside the state for appearing in online examinations. A budget provision of Rs.15 Crore has been kept for the same for the year 2025-26.
In his budget speech, the finance minister said that during 2025-26, the state government will try to introduce new courses in emerging sectors like Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cyber Security, Renewable Energy and Agri-tech. State Government will also try to strengthen collaboration with Private Industries, MSMEs and Multi-National Companies to ensure job-oriented training.
“Special courses will be started in solar energy installation, electric vehicle maintenance and sustainable agriculture. Collaboration will be made with leading industrial bodies like CII, FICCI and NASSCOM to bridge the skill gap,” he said.
He said that during 2025-26, at least 20,745 hectares of rubber plantation would be taken up under ‘Chief Ministers' Rubber Mission’. At least 10 rubber processing units would be constructed, the minister said.
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.