Tripura Requests 20% Tax Devolution for Forests and Ecology: CM Saha
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Synopsis
Tripura, with its 73% reserve forest cover, seeks a 20% tax devolution in the forests and ecology category from the 16th Finance Commission. Chief Minister Manik Saha emphasizes the importance of this request due to the state's significant carbon absorption capacity.
Key Takeaways
- Tripura has 73% reserve forest cover.
- Request for 20% tax devolution from the Finance Commission.
- Focus on infrastructure development and financial allocations.
- Discussion of the 8th Pay Commission implementation.
- Commitment to inclusive development by 2047.
Agartala, Jan 31 (NationPress) Tripura boasts 73% reserve forest cover, significantly absorbing carbon from the atmosphere, said Chief Minister Manik Saha. Given this, the state government has requested a 20% devolution of taxes in the forests and ecology category from the 16th Finance Commission, which is currently visiting the state.
The 16th Finance Commission, led by Chairman Arvind Panagariya, arrived in Tripura on Wednesday for a four-day visit and engaged in multiple discussions with the Tripura Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister.
Meetings were also conducted with Panchayat Raj institutions, urban local bodies, representatives of the Tripura Tribal Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), and leaders from various political parties, as well as trade, commerce, and industry representatives.
Both the state government and various political entities provided distinct memoranda to the commission, advocating for increased financial allocations.
In a press interaction on Friday, the Chief Minister emphasized that Tripura's 73% reserve forest cover limits the availability of flat land.
“The absence of sufficient flat and non-forest land has hindered the establishment of large industries in the state. Thus, we have requested that due to our capacity to absorb substantial carbon because of our extensive forests, a 20% devolution of taxes in the forests and ecology category is warranted,” Saha remarked.
He noted that the Finance Commission expressed satisfaction with the state's performance, discussing various matters for the benefit of the populace, including the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission for government employees.
“We also highlighted the Rs 15,000 crore loss incurred by the state from severe flooding last year. Key topics like infrastructure development were also addressed. We presented all our concerns, and they acknowledged the financial discipline upheld by Tripura,” Saha stated.
The Commission is expected to provide necessary guidance and expressed satisfaction with the state government's presentation.
The Chief Minister refrained from commenting on direct fund allocations to the TTAADC, currently led by BJP ally Tipra Motha Party.
“The Tripura government must be stable first. Only then can we allocate funds to others,” he said.
Saha emphasized that discussions with the 16th Finance Commission encompassed issues relevant to all societal sectors, including the general public, workers, and government staff.
“We are striving for inclusive development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has articulated the vision of a Vikshit Bharat, and we are dedicated to realizing a developed Tripura by 2047,” he added.
