Former Congress MLA and Tipra Motha leader Tapas Dey has urged Tripura CM Dr Manik Saha to introduce fair honorarium and pension benefits for Panchayat and municipal representatives, calling them the “front face” of governance and essential first responders during crises, to strengthen democracy and ensure dignity in local service.
Former Congress legislator and current Tipra Motha leader Tapas Dey has written to Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, pressing for the introduction of a fair honorarium and pension scheme for members of Local Self Government bodies, including Panchayats and municipal institutions.
In his letter sent on Monday, Dey described these grassroots representatives as the “front face” of the State Government, often stepping into action as first responders during epidemics, disasters, and other emergencies, long before the larger administrative machinery is able to mobilise.
The Backbone of Local Governance
Highlighting their indispensable role, Dey argued that local body members act as the immediate link between the government and the people, particularly in times of crisis. Whether it is managing relief during floods, mobilising community support during health emergencies, or coordinating essential services in the aftermath of a natural disaster, they are frequently the first to respond and last to leave the field.
However, despite this significant responsibility, Dey pointed out that they receive no meaningful financial security or post-service benefits. In contrast, MLAs, MPs, and Ministers receive a reasonable honorarium and pension, which recognises their service and provides stability even after their tenure ends. This glaring disparity, he said, undermines the dignity of local representatives and weakens the democratic structure.
Strengthening Democracy Through Fair Pay
Dey’s letter underscored several reasons why fair remuneration is essential for members of local self-governance bodies. He argued that a decent honorarium would:
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Reduce Financial Strain: Representatives could perform their duties without worrying about meeting personal financial obligations.
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Curb Corruption Risks: Adequate compensation would lower susceptibility to unethical practices driven by economic hardship.
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Attract Talent: Capable youth, experienced professionals, and community leaders would be more likely to participate in local governance if assured of financial dignity.
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Ensure Continuity: Pensionary benefits would help retain valuable institutional memory, as experienced representatives could pass on their knowledge to the next generation of leaders.
Dey emphasised that these measures would strengthen participatory democracy and empower local institutions to function more effectively.
A Call for Parity in Public Service
The former legislator also stressed the principle of parity across different levels of public service. He asserted that the responsibilities shouldered by local body representatives are comparable—if not more immediate during crises—to those of legislators and ministers.
“When MLAs and Ministers are provided adequate honorarium and pension benefits, denying similar dignity to local body members sends a message that their service is less valued,” Dey wrote. “Such an approach risks eroding public trust in our democratic framework.”
Appeal to the Chief Minister’s Fairness
Concluding his letter, Dey appealed to the “fairness and sagacity” of Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, urging him to take decisive steps to address this long-standing issue. He warned that failure to act would amount to “grave injustice” to those who serve closest to the people, often at significant personal and financial cost.
While the State Government has previously acknowledged the contributions of local self-governing bodies, no structured policy for honorarium and pension benefits has been implemented so far. Dey’s proposal, if accepted, could mark a turning point in recognising the role of grassroots governance in Tripura.
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Political observers believe the move could also have wider political implications, as stronger financial security for local representatives might boost morale within Panchayats and municipal councils ahead of upcoming local and state elections.
For now, the ball rests in the Chief Minister’s court. Whether Dr Saha’s administration will prioritise this reform remains to be seen, but Dey’s demand has already sparked discussion among political circles and community leaders across the state.
