The Tripura government has deployed artificial intelligence (AI)-based analytics to detect fiscal irregularities, particularly tax evasion, as part of its efforts to combat tax fraud in the state. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha announced the formation of a dedicated Tax Intelligence Unit to tackle this issue during an awareness camp organized by the Finance Department on Saturday.
*Addressing Tax Evasion*
“We have recently created some new posts for this, and AI-based analytics have been incorporated to find out the lapses. Tax evasion in Tripura will no longer be an easy task. The government has noticed that a circular trade of rubber is underway in Tripura. This fake input tax credit system needs to be addressed,” stated the Chief Minister.
*Fiscal Challenges and Budget Allocation*
Dr. Saha highlighted the state’s fiscal challenges, revealing that a significant portion of the annual budget, amounting to approximately ₹27,800 crore, is spent on liabilities such as salaries, pensions, and loan repayments. “Our annual stands somewhere around Rs 27,800 crore, out of which only Rs 3,700 crore is generated from our own revenue collection, or in simple words, our own tax collection,” he said.
The Chief Minister also expressed concerns about the financial strain inherited from the previous government, which left a debt burden exceeding ₹13,000 crore. “People are very much aware that the previous government had left a debt burden of over Rs 13,000 crore, which is being repaid now,” asserted Saha.
*Development and Fund Allocation*
Despite these liabilities, the government is left with around ₹10,000 crore for development, of which 25% is allocated to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and 10% to urban and rural local bodies. Dr. Saha acknowledged that financial constraints often hinder development projects, leading to stagnation in critical sectors.
He also mentioned that around 39% of the total budget is spent on the Tribal District Council areas. “There are multiple centrally aided projects for which funds are spent in ADC areas,” he said.
*Dissatisfaction and Advocacy for Direct Central Funding*
The Chief Minister’s remarks come amid growing dissatisfaction from the TTAADC administration, governed by Tipra Motha, over the allocation of funds. Party founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman has been advocating for direct central funding to address developmental gaps in tribal areas.
As the government moves forward with these initiatives, the introduction of AI-powered analytics and the Tax Intelligence Unit underscores its commitment to curbing tax fraud and ensuring fiscal responsibility in Tripura.
Like
Comment
Send
Share
