Tripura presents budget with Rs 429.56 crore deficit

Tripura's finance minister, Pranajit Singha Roy, presented a budget of Rs 30,296.5 crore for the 2025-26 financial year. This budget has a deficit of Rs 429.56 crore. The budget session in the assembly will last for 12 days. The minister emphasized that the budget focuses on inclusive development, women's empowerment, and infrastructure growth. The total expected spending is Rs 32,423.44 crore, while the anticipated income from various sources is Rs 31,993.88 crore. The state plans to collect Rs 4,010 crore in tax revenue and Rs 504 crore in non-tax revenue. Capital expenditure has been increased significantly, totaling Rs 7,903 crore, which is a 19.14% rise from last year. The overall budget is up by Rs 4,618.77 crore compared to the previous year. The agriculture sector will receive Rs 1,885.42 crore, an increase of 9.49%. Education will get Rs 6,166.19 crore, up 11.94%, while the health sector is allocated Rs 1,948.69 crore, an increase of 12.89%. The budget also includes Rs 20 crore for socio-economic infrastructure in areas with high minority populations. The minister announced 13 new schemes aimed at helping vulnerable groups. These includes social pensions for children of deceased military personnel from Tripura. Other notable initiatives include the Bharat Mata Canteen, which will provide cheap food and accommodation for visitors in Agartala. There are plans for various programs, such as promoting high-yield crops, offering competitive exam coaching for tribal students, assisting with marriage costs for families in need, and organizing mass weddings for low-income families.