Tripura CM seeks funds to address pay anomaly of state’s employees

Agartala: Tripura CM Manik Saha has requested financial assistance from the 16th Finance Commission to resolve the pay disparity affecting state govt employees, as announced on Saturday.
In his conversation with TOI, Saha said despite state employees performing duties equivalent to central government workers, there exists a significant disparity in their pay structure and remuneration, which the state administration aims to rectify."To address the pay anomaly and to follow the upcoming recommendations of newly constituted 8th Pay Commission, we need a few thousand crore of rupees in addition to the existing finance. We made a special request to FC to consider it," Saha said.
Currently, while Tripura's employees receive a similar pay structure to central government staff, they get 23% less DA, 4% less house rent and Rs 15 lakh less gratuity at retirement. The state requires approximately Rs 500 crore yearly to provide equivalent benefits to its employees.
"Important issues of development and improvement of socio-economic conditions, including Rs 15,000 crore loss suffered by the state due to severe floods last year, has been flagged to FC delegation," the chief minister said.
He emphasised that with 73% of Tripura's territory under forest cover, the limited availability of flat terrain has hindered the establishment of large-scale industries. This situation necessitates special support from the central govt.