CAG-ICSSR colloquium in Agartala discusses public finance, government audit and urban waste management, highlighting accountable spending, civic services, scientific waste processing, source segregation and citizens’ responsibilities across Tripura.
Public finance, government audit and solid waste management emerged as key areas of discussion at a state-level CAG-ICSSR colloquium held at the MBB Auditorium of Tripura University on Thursday. The programme brought together senior audit officials, academics, economists, faculty members, students and research scholars to discuss public expenditure, governance, civic services and citizens’ responsibilities.
Organised jointly by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), the colloquium was attended by more than 800 students, academics and research scholars from across Tripura. The organisers said the programme aimed to make discussions surrounding public finance, government audit and accountability more accessible to students and the wider public.
Accountant General (A&E), Tripura, Ranendu Sarkar, delivered the welcome address, while ICSSR Council Member S K Nayak made the opening remarks. Tripura University Vice-Chancellor Debabrata Das attended the event as the chief guest.
Principal Accountant General (Audit), Tripura, Shailendra Vikram Singh, Senior Deputy Accountant General K Vigneshwaran, and Tripura University economics professor Paramita Saha were among the speakers who participated in the discussions.
During the session on public finance, speakers explained the relationship between government accounts and the delivery of essential public services, including education, healthcare, infrastructure and welfare programmes. Discussions also touched upon Tripura’s dependence on Central allocations and grants for several development and welfare activities.
The quality and nature of public expenditure also received attention. Speakers highlighted the importance of spending on durable capital assets, such as infrastructure, school buildings and healthcare facilities, noting that such investments can provide benefits beyond the immediate financial year.
Government debt management was another issue discussed at the colloquium. Speakers noted that borrowing can provide resources for development projects and infrastructure, while repayment obligations and interest payments can create pressure on government finances. The discussion highlighted the importance of managing public resources and expenditure while balancing development requirements with long-term financial obligations.
The colloquium later turned its focus to solid waste management in Tripura’s urban areas, covering the state’s 20 Urban Local Bodies, including the Agartala Municipal Corporation, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats.
Speakers emphasised that waste collection alone cannot be considered effective waste management. They stressed the importance of scientific processing of waste through methods such as composting, recycling and appropriate treatment of different categories of waste.
Source segregation was identified as an important component of urban waste management. Households were urged to separate wet or biodegradable kitchen waste from dry waste, including plastic, paper and metal, before handing it over to municipal authorities or authorised waste collectors.
The speakers also highlighted the need for Urban Local Bodies to strengthen waste-management infrastructure. This includes adequate composting facilities, plastic-processing units and suitable vehicles for transporting different categories of waste.
The discussions also focused on the role of residents in maintaining clean neighbourhoods. Speakers said citizens have an important role in ensuring proper waste segregation and responsible disposal. Payment of applicable user charges was also discussed as a measure that could contribute to the financial sustainability of municipal waste-management services.
The programme further provided information about the CAG-ICSSR Research Article Competition, which is open to undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD scholars. ICSSR Deputy Director Abhinav Piyush outlined the competition and encouraged students and researchers to examine audit reports and issues related to public finance, governance and accountability.
The deadline for submission of research articles has been extended to September 30, 2026. According to the organisers, selected research works will receive recognition at state and national-level forums.
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The colloquium also highlighted the broader relevance of public audit in governance. The organisers said audit reports can provide citizens, researchers and policymakers with information about the use of public funds and help identify areas requiring closer examination in financial management, implementation and service delivery.
Students and faculty members from Tripura University, MBB College, BBMC College, Ramthakur College, Holy Cross College and several affiliated degree colleges participated in the programme. Officials and audit specialists from the offices of the Principal Accountant General (Audit), Tripura, and Accountant General (A&E), Tripura, were also present.
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The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Tanushree Biswas, Senior Deputy Accountant General (A&E), followed by the National Anthem.
