Tripura CM Manik Saha urges FM Nirmala Sitharaman to raise the loan cap for Externally Aided Projects, aiming to fast-track urban, tourism, and forest-based development projects, creating jobs and boosting sustainable growth in Tripura.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Monday, urging the Centre to increase the loan ceiling for Externally Aided Projects (EAPs). The request aims to accelerate the implementation of several ambitious projects under the Urban Development, Tourism departments, and the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC), which are currently delayed due to the existing EAP funding limits, officials said.
During the courtesy meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need to enhance the ceiling for EAPs in Tripura, stating that while many states have no such restriction, ongoing development projects in Tripura are being constrained by the current cap. “There are many states where such a cap does not exist. But in our case, due to many ongoing development works, we are facing issues because of this cap,” Dr. Saha said during a recent official function in Agartala.
Officials from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) confirmed that Dr. Saha also requested additional central funds to bridge the Dearness Allowance (DA) gap between state government employees and their central counterparts. This, he stressed, would ensure better employee satisfaction and improved efficiency in state administration.
Tripura Forest and Environment Minister Animesh Debbarma highlighted that the state government is currently implementing three major Externally Aided Projects aimed at forest protection and livelihood generation for forest dwellers. Of these:
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A soft loan funded by Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
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A grant from the Federal Republic of Germany facilitated through KFW.
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A World Bank-funded Rs 1,764.94 crore project, named the Enhancing Landscape and Ecosystem Management (ELEMENT) Project, focusing on forest management, community development, and livelihood enhancement.
The ELEMENT project, according to Minister Debbarma, is designed not only to protect forests but also to create employment opportunities for youth and women by promoting forest-based entrepreneurship in Tripura. This initiative underscores the state’s focus on sustainable development and inclusive growth.
During his visit to Delhi, Dr. Saha also paid a courtesy call to B.L. Santhosh, National General Secretary (Organisation) at the BJP Headquarters. The discussions reportedly included organizational matters and the election of a new state president for the party, reflecting Dr. Saha’s dual focus on administrative and political priorities.
Speaking on social media, Dr. Saha shared, “Met Hon’ble Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Ji in New Delhi today. Discussed the need for enhancing the ceiling limit of Externally Aided Projects (EAPs), since a number of crucial projects under Urban Development, Tourism & Agartala Municipal Corporation are awaiting progress due to the present ceiling restriction.”
The Chief Minister’s request, if approved, could pave the way for faster implementation of high-impact projects across the state, including urban infrastructure development, tourism promotion, and ecological sustainability projects. Officials say that easing the EAP loan cap could also attract international development partners and facilitate better financial planning for the state’s ambitious initiatives.
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Tripura, known for its lush forests and cultural heritage, stands to benefit significantly if the central government approves Dr. Saha’s proposal. By combining external funding support with local administrative focus, the state aims to strengthen both its infrastructure and socio-economic landscape while ensuring sustainable development practices.
