Agartala, March 21 (NationPress) The Finance Minister of Tripura, Pranajit Singha Roy, introduced 13 new initiatives aimed at supporting farmers, girls, women, youth, and underprivileged communities during his presentation of the annual Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 on the inaugural day of the Budget session of the state Assembly.

The minister outlined a tax-free Budget totaling Rs 32,423.44 crore for FY 2025-26, emphasizing the significance of inclusive development, women's empowerment, enhancement of road, education, and health infrastructure, along with addressing various social welfare concerns.

This second Budget of the BJP-led government’s second term indicates a deficit of Rs 429.56 crore and reflects a 16.61 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Among the announcements, a new initiative titled Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana will financially assist marriages for girls from Antyodaya (poor) families, with the state government contributing Rs 50,000.

“Mass marriages will be organized at the Subdivision level, with Rs 10 crore allocated for this initiative,” he stated.

Another scheme, Mukhyamantri Balika Samriddhi Yojana, will invest Rs 50,000 for every newborn girl from Antodyaya (poor) families, which can be accessed when she turns 18. A budget of Rs 15 crore is designated for this initiative in the year 2025-26.

Additionally, Roy proposed the launch of 'Mukhyamantri Sashya Shyamala Yojana' in 2025-26 to encourage the cultivation of high-yield crop varieties, with an initial budget of Rs 5 crore.

To provide accommodation and subsidized food for those stranded in Agartala, he suggested establishing a 'Bharat Mata Canteen cum Night Shelter' with a budget of Rs 2 crore.

The Finance Minister also announced a Chief Minister's Scheme for Mentally Challenged Persons, offering a monthly pension of Rs 5,000, supplementing the existing Rs 2,000 disability pension with an additional Rs 3,000. A total of Rs 40 crore has been allocated for this program.

Furthermore, during the year 2025-26, the government plans to cultivate at least 20,745 hectares of rubber under the Chief Ministers' Rubber Mission, alongside constructing a minimum of 10 rubber processing units.

Roy highlighted the government’s initiatives to enhance tax revenue collection, including the establishment of GST Gyan Kendra, utilization of analytical tools for fraud detection, and deployment of a Tax Intelligence Unit, among other strategies.