The 6th Tripura Finance Commission has launched a state-wide tour to prepare a five-year roadmap on how local bodies should use tax funds. This tour, which began in Sepahijala district, will cover all eight districts of the state. Its goal is to assess how taxes are collected and spent at the grassroots level, ensuring fair and effective distribution of resources.
Chairman G Kameswara Rao, along with other Commission members, is directly interacting with district officials, urban local bodies, and rural panchayats. These meetings will guide their recommendations for the 2026–2031 fiscal planning period.
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Direct engagement with local authorities
Instead of relying solely on written reports, the Commission is speaking face-to-face with ground-level administrators. This approach helps them understand real challenges in tax collection and fund usage. It also encourages honest conversations about shortcomings and opportunities for reform.
Chairman Rao highlighted the importance of this direct approach. He said that seeing the ground situation helps the Commission make practical and relevant suggestions.
Reviewing gaps in resource allocation
Many urban areas in Tripura receive more resources than rural and remote regions. This unequal distribution often leads to developmental gaps. Therefore, one of the Commission’s primary goals is to ensure equity in fund allocation.
To achieve this, the Commission is analyzing current patterns of fund flow and identifying where imbalances exist. It is also asking local bodies to submit data on revenue sources like property tax, trade licenses, and user fees. These figures will help shape strategies that promote financial independence among local institutions.
Visiting all eight districts
Over the next few weeks, the Commission will visit all eight districts—Sepahijala, West Tripura, North Tripura, Unakoti, Dhalai, Khowai, Gomati, and South Tripura. At each stop, the team will inspect ongoing projects and hold consultations with local stakeholders.
District administrations have been instructed to prepare detailed status reports. These will include figures on tax collection, service delivery performance, and digital adoption. Such information will help the Commission understand the strengths and weaknesses of each local unit.
Support from the Chief Minister
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has expressed full support for the Commission’s work. He met Chairman Rao and encouraged the team to design a roadmap that aligns with Tripura’s Vision 2047. The vision includes goals like better infrastructure, improved digital services, and strong local governance.
Dr. Saha stressed that local bodies must become self-reliant. He asked the Commission to recommend solutions that boost their efficiency and reduce dependence on state grants.
Planning for the 2026–2031 period
The final report of the Finance Commission will set the tone for fund allocation across the state for five years. It will include rules for distributing funds, performance-based rewards, and guidelines on spending.
Officials from the Urban Development Department have noted that this roadmap will influence development in areas like water supply, waste management, e-governance, and low-cost housing. For this reason, the tour’s findings are being treated as highly important.
Strengthening local institutions
Experts believe the Commission’s work can improve financial discipline at the local level. In towns like Agartala and Dharmanagar, urban local bodies earn revenue through taxes and licenses. However, rural areas still depend heavily on state funding. The Commission is exploring ways to narrow this gap.
Some of the expected recommendations may include improving digital records, training local staff, and setting up better monitoring systems. If followed, these steps could lead to more transparent and effective fund use.
Engaging the public and communities
The Commission has also invited public participation. Citizens, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups have been asked to share suggestions. Help desks and an official website are now active for people to submit feedback.
Chairman Rao has urged the public to get involved. “Our goal is to hear from everyone. Community input makes the roadmap stronger and more inclusive,” he said during one of the district visits.
New approach to financial planning
This tour marks a shift from top-down decision-making to a more participatory model. By listening to local voices, the Commission is designing a roadmap that reflects the real needs of people. It also helps build trust between the government and the governed.
Moreover, involving multiple stakeholders helps avoid mistakes in planning and creates a sense of ownership at the local level.
Looking ahead
As the tour progresses, the Commission will gather valuable insights. These will be used to draft a comprehensive report aimed at improving tax utilization and fund allocation. If implemented well, the recommendations could reshape local governance in Tripura for years to come.
The five-year roadmap will not only distribute funds but also build stronger, more accountable institutions. This will lead to better services for citizens and a more balanced development path across urban and rural Tripura.
Conclusion
The 6th Tripura Finance Commission’s state-wide tour represents a major step in building a fair and efficient financial system. By focusing on ground-level realities, promoting equity, and involving the public, the Commission is laying the foundation for meaningful reform.
As the state moves toward Vision 2047, this roadmap could become a vital part of Tripura’s long-term growth and local empowerment.
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