By Firstdespatch Desk Jul 30, 2026
Agartala, July 30 (FD) Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy on Wednesday blamed the previous Left Front government for the prolonged crisis surrounding Tripura's defunct jute mill, alleging decades of mismanagement, excessive recruitment and prolonged litigation had imposed a massive financial burden on the state.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP state headquarters, Roy claimed that while the sanctioned workforce of the jute mill was 807 employees, the previous government had appointed 2,253 workers, creating a huge financial liability.
He said the BJP-led government has already paid around Rs 220 crore towards employees' dues following court directives.
Roy alleged that the then Left Front government challenged a High Court order in the Supreme Court in 2003. The apex court upheld the High Court's verdict and directed payment with 6 per cent interest, substantially increasing the state's financial burden.
"Had the previous government accepted the High Court's order, the liability would have been only around Rs 20-25 crore," he claimed, alleging that decisions taken during the Left regime have ultimately cost the state nearly Rs 1,000 crore.
Outlining redevelopment plans, the Finance Minister said the government intends to establish an IT Park on nearly 10 acres of the former jute mill land, expected to generate employment for around 2,000 educated youths.
The proposed redevelopment also includes a Skill Development Centre and a multi-super speciality hospital, while the government is considering auctioning the defunct machinery of the closed mill.
Roy said the projects would transform the abandoned industrial site into a modern hub for employment, skill development and public infrastructure, marking a new chapter in Tripura's industrial development. FD JK