Planning Commission finalises outlay for Tripura

The Planning Commission has finalized state’s annual outlay at Rs. 1680 Crore for the 2009-10 financial year, official sources said on Friday.

The outlay was finalised during a meeting between the Chief Minister, Manik Sarkar and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia in Delhi on Thursday which represents an increase of 15.86 per cent over last year’s plan allocation.

The allocation for the coming financial year includes one time additional central assistance of Rs 122 Crore and special central assistance of Rs 55 Crore.

The huge financial burden on the state government on account of the 6th Pay Commission was raised at the meeting, sources said adding that Ahluwalia said that the issue was posed to the finance ministry and there is likelihood of North Eastern states being partially offset for the financial outgo incurred by them on account of revising pay and allowances of their employees.

During discussions, the Chief Minister also demanded extension of broad gauge rail connectivity up to Agartala to ensure full benefit of the rail service.

State capital, Agartala was put on the rail map of the country in october with a narrow gauge facility.