AMC Budget Exceeds TTAADC Allocation, Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma Alleges Continued Neglect of Tribal Areas

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 3, 2026

A fresh political controversy has erupted in Tripura over the issue of budget allocation to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), with Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma accusing the BJP-led state government of failing to adequately support the state's tribal population despite repeatedly professing concern for indigenous communities.

The controversy resurfaced after Debbarma claimed that tribal areas of Tripura continue to suffer from inadequate socio-economic and communication infrastructure even 54 years after the state attained full statehood in 1972. According to him, the developmental gap between urban and tribal regions remains substantial, raising serious questions about the government's priorities.

Debbarma alleged that while the government publicly projects itself as a champion of tribal welfare, the reality on the ground tells a different story. He argued that inadequate budgetary support for the TTAADC has hindered efforts to improve roads, connectivity, healthcare, education, drinking water facilities, and economic opportunities in remote tribal areas.

Adding fuel to the debate, the Tipra Motha legislator claimed that the newly appointed Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the TTAADC, Runiel Debbarma, informed him that the state government had provided nearly Rs.250 crore less than the amount expected by the Council during the 2025-26 financial year. The allegation has once again brought into focus the long-standing dispute between the TTAADC and the state government over financial allocations.

The latest controversy has gained further momentum following a comparison between the budget of the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) and the allocation made to the TTAADC for the 2026-27 financial year.

According to official budget figures, AMC has proposed a budget of Rs.975.91 crore for 2026-27, while the TTAADC has been allocated Rs.914.82 crore by the state government. The figures have prompted questions from tribal leaders and sections of civil society regarding the rationale behind allocating a smaller amount to an institution responsible for governing the majority of the state's geographical area.

The TTAADC administers approximately 7,132.56 square kilometres, accounting for nearly 68 percent of Tripura's total land area. The autonomous district council oversees development activities across vast rural and tribal regions spread over all eight districts of the state. In contrast, the Agartala Municipal Corporation governs an area of only 76.5 square kilometres within the state capital.

Supporters of the Council argue that the comparison is significant not merely because of the difference in geographical coverage but also because of the scale of responsibilities entrusted to the TTAADC. The Council is responsible for implementing rural development schemes, maintaining village infrastructure, supporting educational and healthcare institutions, promoting tribal welfare, and preserving indigenous customs, languages, and traditions.

The financial challenges facing the Council have been a recurring issue. During the 2025-26 financial year, the TTAADC had proposed a budget of approximately Rs.1,840 crore. However, it reportedly received only around Rs.650 crore from the state government, forcing the Council to operate under severe financial constraints.

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