By Firstdespatch Desk Aug 30, 2026
Agartala, Aug 30 (FD) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday said all north-eastern states have jointly raised concerns with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the proposed withdrawal of the revenue gap fund following the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission.
According to the Chief Minister, the withdrawal of the fund could place additional financial pressure on the north-eastern states, with Tripura alone expected to face an annual shortfall of around ₹4,000 crore.
Saha said the issue was collectively discussed during a meeting of north-eastern states with the Union Finance Minister in Shillong. While the Centre has sanctioned a fund titled ‘Pride of Hills’ to help address financial requirements in the region, the Chief Minister said the allocation may not be sufficient to fully compensate for the anticipated loss.
However, the Chief Minister made it clear that the financial constraints would not affect the state government's on-going recruitment initiatives.
“We have to fill up vacant posts as much as possible if there are no technical problems,” Saha said, adding that the curtailment of the revenue gap fund would not derail recruitment drives undertaken by the government.
Tripura Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy had earlier expressed concern over the proposed withdrawal of the fund, stating that the state could lose around ₹4,000 crore annually, amounting to approximately ₹20,000 crore over five years.
The state government had highlighted before the Finance Commission its growing fiscal burden, including expenditure commitments towards government employees and pensioners. The issue has also gained significance amid discussions surrounding the constitution of the 8th Pay Commission, which is expected to revise the salaries of government employees.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Saha reiterated that the government would continue its efforts to provide employment opportunities and fill available vacancies across various departments.
He said occasional technical difficulties could arise during the recruitment process but would not prevent the government from proceeding with appointments.
The Chief Minister further said the state government was taking steps to prevent any unreasonable increase in the prices of essential commodities.
He said he had discussed the matter with the Food Minister and instructed the authorities to engage with traders and market stakeholders to ensure that prices were not increased arbitrarily.
The Chief Minister added that the north-eastern states would continue to press the Centre for greater financial support to address the region's unique fiscal challenges. FD JK