By Firstdespatch Desk Jul 21, 2023
Agartala, July 21 (FD) The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Agartala today from Guwahati and unveiled Tripura's newly constructed GST Bhawan at the Netaji Chaumuhuni area, adjacent to Mantribari Road.
The inauguration ceremony saw Sitharaman address an enthusiastic gathering at the Bhawan's auditorium, where she commended the manifold benefits reaped by the state through the enforcement of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which merged 17 indirect taxes and six cusses.
The Finance Minister cited a striking example of Tripura's financial growth, stating that in 2016–2017; the state received a mere Rs 4.21 crore as a share of central taxes.
However, in 2022–2023, this share soared remarkably to Rs 982.50 crore as GST compensation, underscoring the significant strengthening of the nation's and state's economies.
In the evening, Nirmala Sitharaman convened a crucial meeting with managers and Managing Directors (MDs) of regional and rural banks from the northeast at Hotel Polo Tower. The meeting was in progress, addressing key issues and strategies.
The meeting aimed to explore strategies for easier credit flow while ensuring the banks' viability. She emphasized the importance of facilitating bank finance for emerging start-ups and new ventures, as well as for disadvantaged traders and farmers.
Official sources disclosed that Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to visit the Indo-Bangla railway construction site within India and the Srimantapur border check post in Sonamura subdivision on the following day before departing for Delhi.
She will hold discussions with Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha at the government rest house, focusing on the financial condition of the state and potential measures to enhance it.
The visit of the Finance Minister marks a momentous occasion for Tripura, as the state looks forward to fostering economic growth and development under the guidance of the central government. FD SB JK