AGARTALA, May 28 (TIWN): After reallocating the Finance Department from the experienced hand of Badal Chowdhury, Tripura’s Finance Minister of past 17 yrs, to new Minister Bhanulal Saha, today Chief Minister Manik Sarkar reviewed the implementation of 13th Finance Commission grants here at Secretariat. Chief Secretary Dr. S.K. Panda, Director General of Police C Balasubrhaniam and other top officials of the state were also present.

According to the government opinion, the 13^th finance commission has deprived state.  For grade pay and central pay scales concerns, state is not in a position to implement this due to 13^th Finance Commision.

However according to experts, 13^th Finance Commission has followed a normal approach in various departments including salaries of the employees – in fact allocated more money to Tripura in comparison  of allocation ratios to other states.

Govt. of Tripura requested earlier Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh & Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to allocate additional funds. But a demand placed by Tripura has not been fulfilled. However, the recommendation of 14^th Finance Commission will come into effect from next year. Before that, Govt. of Tripura reviewed the current financial position of the state. According to  top official sources, government reviewed how much of total allocation and how much amounts released by Finance Commission. Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of works sanctioned by 13^th Finance Commission.  It is to be noted here that, finance commission allocated money for non plan gap grant assistance. Salary expenses of employees needs meet from this fund. State Government employees are now hopeful that after reshuffle of the cabinet, newly in charge minister will consider their demand.