CM meets union finance minister, assured of extra financial assistance for DA and projects

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 14, 2025

The chief minister Dr Manik Saha who is on an official visit to Delhi after being summoned by the BJP central leadership yesterday met the union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the latter’s official chamber. In the course of discussion with the union finance minister Dr Saha sought extra financial assistance to the state for clearing the pending 22% dearness allowance (DA) for serving government employees and dearness relief (DR) for the retired employees and officers. He pointed out that unless the dues are cleared by the deadline of October 31 the 16th finance commission will not include them as committed expenditure of the state government and the entire dues will lapse for ever.

Besides , the chief minister also pressed for lifting of the ceiling for externally aided projects being implemented in the state, pointing out that the current ceiling is standing in the way of continued flow of funds and implementation. Dr Saha said that at present a number of externally aided projects are in advanced stage of implementation and they are facing constraints because of the existing ceiling . He pressed for lifting of the ceiling further in the interest of smooth implementation of the ongoing projects. Official sources here said that the union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had assured Dr Saha that his pleas on extra funds for DA and lifting of the ceiling on externally aided projects will be considered and accepted as soon as possible. Sources described this as major success of the chief minister’s current visit in the interest of the state.

more news...