arun deb
Photo: Northeast Now

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Wednesday called on Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi to discuss various issues related to the State.

During the meeting, the State Chief Minister apprised the Union Finance Minister of the overall financial position of the State.

The State Chief Minister also had a very fruitful and positive discussion with the Union Finance Minister on funding of various development schemes and projects in the State.

The State Chief Minister also sought a special package of Rs 1500 crore to implement various development projects in the State.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister informed the Union Minister about the state’s financial condition that came on the way of implementation of seventh Central Pay Commission for the two lakh employees and pensioners.

In reply, Jaitley gave a positive gesture on the request of special package, according to an official release issued by the government on Wednesday evening.

The Chief Minister’s push to implement seventh Central Pay Commission assumes significant keeping in mind of growing ‘intolerance’ among the state government employees.

The Chief Minister also sought a financial assistance of Rs 358.70 crore for completing 81 ongoing projects.

After giving a patient hearing, the Union Minister said the Ministry would look into the matter on priority basis.

Here, it may be noted that NITI Aayog has recommended the Finance Ministry to release fund to complete 81 ongoing projects which are stalled for want of fund.

Earlier, the tenure of P P Verma headed expert committee constituted to suggest pay scales to the state government employees at par with the seventh Central Pay Commission, has been extended till November 30.

Pinaki Das is Northeast Now Correspondent in Agartala. He can be reached at: [email protected]