The deplorable financial condition of Tripura has been reflected in this year’s state Budget. The “triple-engine government” has turned into a “trouble engine,” Opposition Leader Jitendra Choudhury said, initiating a discussion on the Budget in the Assembly on March 19.

Like before, this year’s Budget has been presented to the people with impressive figures and eloquent language. However, the outcome of sky-high promises is zero. While presenting the Budget, the finance minister indulged in praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that India would become a five-trillion-dollar economy by 2030. Questioning how achievable that goal is, Choudhury exposed what he termed the “hollow propaganda” of the BJP government regarding the current state of the Indian economy. He said that the GDP growth rate was 6.4% in 2011-12, which has now declined to 5.1%. The value of the rupee is falling. On April 2, 2014, before the BJP came to power at the Centre, 1 US dollar was equal to ₹59.65; and by March 18, 2026, it had risen to ₹92.45. This indicates a weakening rupee. According to him, this is why India is “surrendering” before the United States, allowing American goods to flood Indian markets. He said that India’s foreign policy is being influenced by the United States, affecting long-standing relationships with West Asian countries and creating obstacles in crude oil imports.

Choudhury added that India’s internal debt was ₹50 lakh crore in 2014, which has now risen to ₹185 lakh crore. External debt has also increased by 18.8%. As a result, prices are rising and vacant posts are not being filled — this is also the case in Tripura. He said that the poor state of the economy is leading to corruption, inflation, and various social problems.

State Budget Misleading

The state Budget grew only 0.01% from last year’s. If the growth is not 10-15% compared to the previous Budget, it is effectively negative. He stressed that people should be given real and accurate information, not “jugglery of numbers,” which only serves to keep them away from the truth. He pointed out that capital expenditure in this year’s Budget is lower than last year. The amount shown for loan repayment expenditure has also been understated. This indicates that the state is becoming increasingly trapped in debt. There is less funding for development, leading to corruption, irregularities, and delays in completing projects. Roads, for example, deteriorate within six months of construction or repair. The government must ensure quality, proper monitoring, and timely completion of development work, which requires discipline.

Reckless Spending

He said that the Budget reflects the state’s poor financial condition. If borrowing continues at this rate, the situation will worsen. Attempts are being made to hide dependence on loans, which is not right. Instead, ways to overcome this dependence should be explored. He also criticised what he described as reckless expenditure of public funds — on flex banners, hospitality, and indiscriminate use of government vehicles.

Rising Unemployment

Choudhury said that unemployment is rising due to the ruling party’s election promises — such as 50,000 jobs in the first year, jobs through missed calls, and regularisation of scheme and irregular workers. Even after eight years, 50,000 jobs have not been provided. The chief minister claims 23,000 jobs have been given so far. He criticised the government for approaching the Supreme Court instead of regularising Sarva Shiksha teachers as directed by the High Court. He urged the finance minister to find solutions for regularising scheme workers and to resolve the issue of the 10,323 terminated teachers, even through financial packages if necessary. He also called for a road map to fill all vacant posts.

He said that lakhs of youths from the state have migrated outside for work, including educated individuals working as security guards or in restaurants, often without proper wages. Many die away from home, and their bodies cannot be brought back.

On rural employment, he said that the BJP had promised 200 days of work under MGNREGA with wages of ₹340 in its first cabinet meeting. After eight years, has this promise been fulfilled? Last year, only 43 days of work was provided. Now the government is promising 125 days. With no work in villages, people are migrating to cities. Handing out auto-rickshaw permits and calling it employment is misleading. The government must increase rural employment.

He also urged the government to help convert shifting (jhum) cultivation into settled farming, involving departments like agriculture, tribal welfare, forests, and rural development. He questioned how many farmers have received compensation under the crop insurance scheme.

In the Assembly, it was stated that 345 primary schools are running with only one teacher, and many others face teacher shortages — depriving children of education. He termed this a crime. He also demanded the establishment of a tribal university in Khumulwng.

Citing official data, Choudhury said that in the last eight years, the number of employees in the education department has decreased by 21,912 — from 50,382 on January 1, 2018, to 28,470 on January 1, 2026. The total number of government employees in the state has also declined — from 1,58,220 in 2018 to 1,48,501 in 2026 (including scheme and irregular workers). During this period, 35,835 employees have retired.