Own Correspondent, Agartala | May 15, 2026 | Duranta TV Web
Fresh controversy is brewing within Tripura’s administrative circles, with the state Finance Department coming under intense scrutiny. A section of teachers and government employees have alleged that prolonged delays in file clearances and key administrative decisions are gradually eroding confidence in the government.
At the center of the controversy is Finance Department Additional Secretary Akinchan Sarkar, whose role has reportedly become a subject of growing resentment within the Secretariat.
According to representatives of several employee organizations and a number of officials speaking on condition of anonymity, important files have allegedly remained pending for months, resulting in serious administrative stagnation. Allegations include delays in promotions, MACP revisions, DPC processes, filling vacant posts, and even files reportedly approved by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
Some employees claim that the present situation is reviving memories of the Left Front era. Veteran employee leaders have drawn parallels with former bureaucrat R.K. Dey Chowdhury, who had once faced allegations of excessive administrative dominance, controversial review committees, and widening pay disparities.
According to sections of the employee community, prolonged deprivation and frustration among government staff had played a significant role in the political change of 2018. Now, discussions have intensified over whether a similar atmosphere is gradually returning.
Allegations Continue Despite Change in Government
After the political change in 2018, many government employees had expected faster recruitment, resolution of DA issues, and greater transparency in administration. However, allegations suggest that thousands of vacancies still remain unfilled.
As per claims made by employee groups, the number of teachers and government employees in Tripura stood at approximately 1,54,998 during the final phase of the Left regime. That number has now reportedly dropped to 99,784 — leaving nearly 55,214 posts vacant.
Employees are questioning how such a massive shortage of manpower can exist without affecting the functioning of the administration.
“Did File Congestion Increase After Atanu Dewanji Was Removed?”
Several Secretariat employees and officials are now raising questions about whether administrative delays worsened after senior officer Atanu Dewanji was shifted from the Finance Department.
Officials within the department claim that Dewanji had played a crucial role in implementing the 2.57 pay fixation factor for employees during the government’s initial tenure — a move that had significantly improved the government’s image among employees.
According to allegations, after he was transferred to a less significant department, the pace of file disposal in the Finance Department began to slow down considerably. Some insiders further allege that Akinchan Sarkar played a major role behind Dewanji’s removal. However, there has been no official statement from the government regarding these claims.
DA Issue and Growing Employee Frustration
Last October, various employee organizations intensified their demand for pending Dearness Allowance (DA), after Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha reportedly gave positive indications regarding the issue.
Employee leaders argue that the retirement of a large number of employees over recent years has reduced the state’s salary burden substantially, making it financially possible to clear DA dues.
However, allegations suggest that the Finance Department repeatedly cited “financial constraints” and prevented the proposal from moving forward. Employees now claim that despite the Chief Minister’s willingness to provide DA relief, bureaucratic resistance within the department increased public dissatisfaction.
Discontent Growing Inside the Secretariat
Following a series of reports aired by Duronto TV, dissatisfaction regarding Akinchan Sarkar is reportedly growing within the Secretariat.
One Deputy Secretary, speaking anonymously, stated:
“If even files approved by the CMO remain pending for months, frustration among lower-level administrators is inevitable. In such a situation, it is not the government but certain bureaucratic mindsets that benefit.”
Sections of employee organizations have also alleged that even groups considered close to the ruling party are being sidelined, increasing the gap between the government and employees.
Demand for Immediate Administrative Action
A growing section of employees now believes the government must act quickly to prevent deeper unrest.
According to them, instead of repeatedly reappointing retired bureaucrats, the administration should provide opportunities to new officers and remove officials accused of creating bottlenecks — similar to how retired IAS officer Apurba Roy was reportedly removed earlier.
Employees within the Secretariat have conveyed a clear message:
“Identifying the problem is not enough — solutions are needed.”
Atanu Dewanji
Why Are Employees Demanding Atanu Dewanji’s Return?
1. Key Role in 2.57 Pay Fixation
Employees credit Atanu Dewanji as one of the principal architects behind the implementation of the 2.57 pay fixation policy, which had strengthened trust between employees and the government.
2. Faster File Disposal Culture
Officials claim that during his tenure, promotions, MACP clearances, DPC processes, and recruitment files moved much faster, especially those approved by the CMO.
3. Coordination Between Government and Employees
Employee organizations describe his administrative style as one focused on coordination rather than confrontation.
4. Administrative Slowdown After His Removal?
A section of employees alleges that file congestion, DA delays, stalled recruitment, and overall administrative dissatisfaction sharply increased after his transfer.
Three Major Demands Raised by Employees
1. Audit of All Pending Finance Department Files
Employees are demanding a high-level audit into why CMO-approved files remain pending for extended periods.
2. Departmental and Vigilance Inquiry Against Akinchan Sarkar
Certain employee groups are demanding investigations into allegations of intentional delays, administrative paralysis, and damage to the government’s image.
3. Bring Back Atanu Dewanji to the Finance Department
Many believe his return could restore administrative speed and rebuild employee confidence.
Is History Repeating Itself?
Political observers believe teachers and government employees have always been a decisive factor in Tripura politics. Continued delays in DA, prolonged vacancies, and administrative bottlenecks could have significant political consequences if left unresolved.
Employee leaders have issued a strong warning:
> “In 2018, employee dissatisfaction became one of the major reasons behind the change in government. If certain individuals within the administration once again disconnect the government from the people, preventing history from repeating itself may become difficult.”
Repeated attempts were reportedly made to contact Finance Department Additional Secretary Akinchan Sarkar for his response, but no statement was received. No official response has yet been issued by the Finance Minister either.