.JPG)
Pics : Abhisek Saha
The Winter Session of the Tripura Legislative Assembly kicked off on Friday, marked by an address from Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu. The solemn atmosphere prevailed as the House paid tribute to the departed souls of two sitting MLAs, Samsul Haque and Surajit Dutta. However, amidst the somber note, there was a notable addition to the assembly with the welcome of two new MLAs, Tofajjal Hossain and Bindu Debnath.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha took the floor on the inaugural day of the third session of the thirteenth Assembly to announce a significant enhancement in the funds allocated under the Bidhayak Elaka Unnayan Prakalapa (BEUP). The financial support under this scheme was raised from Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 75 lakh, impacting the total fund for all 60 MLAs from Rs. 30 crore to Rs. 45 crore. This decision, effective from the fiscal year 2024-25, is poised to channel additional resources for local development.
Dr. Saha detailed that the MLA Area Development Scheme’s current allocation is Rs. 50 lakhs per MLA per year, amounting to a total financial outlay of Rs. 30 crores for all 60 MLAs. With the new announcement, the total annual allocation for all 60 MLAs is expected to reach Rs. 45 crores, necessitating an additional Rs. 15 crores. The Chief Minister expressed optimism that this increased fund injection would catalyze the development process.
However, not all members in the opposition bench were satisfied with the hike. Some voiced their demand for an even greater increase, proposing that the fund be raised to Rs. 1 crore.
Following this significant announcement, Speaker Biswabandhu Sen adjourned the House until 11 am on January 8. On this day, the assembly will reconvene for a detailed discussion on the Governor’s speech, setting the stage for further deliberations on the state’s legislative agenda. The session promises to be a crucial platform for shaping the trajectory of development in Tripura in the coming year.
