AGARTALA, Jan 22 (TIWN): Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy Wednesday informed media Tripura state budget's half is invested in distribution of salaries and pensions.

The statement came amid approximately 50% salary and pension hikes of the CM, Ministers, and MPs, and pensions.

"Tripura's source of income is limited but the development is not stopped due to Central Govt's help. The Central Govt is helping to develop the state at its best," said Roy.

He was reacting to a query on how much debt the state government owes.

Roy said, "Such topics are to confuse the people."

"The loans were taken because they were needed for the state's development," said Roy.