Tripura Records Massive Dip in Tax Revenue amid COVID-19 Lockdown

Agartala, May 3, 2020:

The Tax Revenue Collection of Tripura has come down to only Rs. 20 crore in the Month of April following the COVID-19 pandemic. But, the state government already started working in Primary Sectors to strengthen the economy, said Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb.

In a video message, he said, “The tax revenue collection of the state should have been Rs. 200 crore in the month of April. But, the state recorded tax revenue collection of only Rs. 20 crore. Similarly, the state registered non-taxable income of only Rs. 15 crore. It was supposed to be 25 crore in the month of April.”

In this context, the Chief Minister appealed to everybody to increase their activities in the primary sectors to become self-reliant as well as to strengthen the economy.

Deb also made a strong appeal to the state’s citizens, who are now stranded in various parts of the country following the lockdown, so that they don’t get restless for returning home.

“We are now going through a crucial period. If the people of state now stranded in other parts of the country become restless for returning home, the state will suffer. The government will take appropriate steps for safe return of the stranded people as per the guidelines,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that state government had already approached the Centre for introducing point to point train service to bring back the stranded people from other states and send back the people of other states now stranded in Tripura.

In the video message, the Chief Minister also stated that the samples of the people including drivers of goods carrying vehicles entering Tripura from other parts would be tested at Churaibari entry point and they would be allowed to proceed further only if the test results come negative.

Quoting a WHO report, the Chief Minister said that the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak may hit the country hard in the middle of May. Keeping this point in view, every citizen-- specially the aged persons, pregnant women and children -- need to be extra cautious, he said.

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While confirming the two fresh COVID19 positive cases, the Chief Minister said that the people need to continue the battle against the COVID19 pandemic until a vaccine is invented.

He said the state government would take appropriate step regarding safe return of the stranded people by maintaining all the guidelines prescribed by the Central Government.

The Chief Minister said that the state government had requested the Ministry of Home Affairs so that the state’s farmers, who have Agri land on the other side of the India-Bangladesh border, can collect their crops.

“The Centre has accepted the request of state government. Now, the farmers will be allowed to collect crops from their lands located on the other side of the border. But, the farmers will be allowed to cross the border for a specific time in presence of BSF, administrative officers and health staff at the gate. Around 6000 to 7000 farmers will be benefited following the decision,” the Chief Minister said.

In another note, the Chief Minister said that the Gas agencies were asked to ensure that the 2.75 lakh beneficiaries of Ujjawala Yojana get the LPG cylinders as planned by the central government.

“The state government will take appropriate action if any gas agency disobeys the order,” he added.

The Chief Minister appealed all the citizens to strictly follow with the government guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He also said that use of mask by customers and shop keepers in all shops and drivers of all vehicles was made mandatory and fine would be imposed in case of violation of the order. He also appealed all the market committees for engaging volunteers to ensure that the social distancing norms and other guidelines are maintained properly.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said Tripura is soon going to have a Logistics Hub at the Southern town of Sabroom, adding that a loan has already been sanctioned for the project and DPR would be prepared soon.

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