Regional Conference at NEHU Addresses Financial Support for Northeast Development

Agartala, May 14, 2024, By Our Correspondent

Agartala, May 14 - Today, a significant regional conference convened at the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), focusing on securing vital financial support from the Sixteenth Finance Commission of India for the development of Tripura and the wider northeastern region. Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the Commission, along with other esteemed members, spearheaded the discussions.

Representing Tripura, Prof. Subhrabaran Das and Dr. Sanjib Kumar Majhi from the Economics Department of Tripura University, alongside Akinchan Sarkar, Additional Secretary of Finance, Government of Tripura, participated in the deliberations aimed at harnessing financial resources for future development initiatives.

Key proposals emerged during the discourse, notably the establishment of an AIIMS facility to bolster healthcare services in the state. The potential positive impacts of AIIMS on the economy, including job creation, income generation from logistics and transportation sectors, were highlighted. Discussions also centered on medical tourism, as patients from Bangladesh seeking medical treatment in India, thus opening avenues for economic growth.

Academics from Tripura University emphasized the importance of tourism development, advocating for the identification, mapping, and enhancement of tourist destinations. The need for improved infrastructure at these sites, along with initiatives such as the extraction of medicinal plants and the establishment of a medicine research hub, were underscored to tap into the region's rich biodiversity. Additionally, exploration of green energy possibilities was discussed to promote sustainable development.

Among the distinguished attendees were full-time members of the Sixteenth Finance Commission, including Ajay Narayan Jha, Annie George Mathew, and Dr. Manoj Panda. Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Adviser of SBI, another esteemed member of the Commission, also graced the meeting held in Shillong.

The conference served as a platform for stakeholders to advocate for strategic investments aimed at fostering inclusive growth and addressing the developmental needs of Tripura and the northeastern region. Collaborative efforts between government bodies, academia, and financial institutions were emphasized as pivotal for achieving sustainable progress in the region.