AGARTALA, Feb 22: The Tripura government has deployed artificial intelligence (AI)-based analytics to detect fiscal irregularities, particularly in tax-related fraud. The initiative was announced on Saturday by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, who expressed concern over the increasing cases of tax frauds in the state. He revealed that the government had established a dedicated Tax Intelligence Unit and introduced AI-based systems to track tax evasion, making it more challenging for offenders. The Chief Minister noted that a circular trade of rubber and a fake input tax credit system was a growing problem in the state that needed urgent attention.
During an awareness camp organized by the Finance Department, Dr. Saha emphasized that the new tax intelligence infrastructure would help identify gaps and combat tax fraud more effectively. The government’s push for tackling tax evasion comes at a time when Tripura is facing serious fiscal challenges. The Chief Minister also mentioned that the state’s annual budget of approximately ₹27,800 crore is strained due to liabilities such as salaries, pensions, and loan repayments. Out of this budget, only ₹3,700 crore is generated from internal tax collection, highlighting the state’s financial constraints.
Dr. Saha further discussed the financial burden left by the previous government, which left a debt of over ₹13,000 crore, and how the current government is working to repay this debt. Despite these financial challenges, the government has approximately ₹10,000 crore available for development. He also outlined the allocation of funds, with 25% earmarked for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and 10% for urban and rural local bodies.
In the context of rising dissatisfaction within the TTAADC administration, particularly from Tipra Motha, over the distribution of funds, the Chief Minister acknowledged the financial strain and noted that multiple centrally-aided projects were being funded in the ADC areas. This initiative, along with the new tax intelligence measures, is part of the government’s effort to overcome fiscal challenges and improve the state’s financial management.
