The Tripura government has allotted a duplex bungalow to former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, as per the set rules for providing official space to former Chief Ministers. Sarkar had requested for the same house which he had occupied while serving as the Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly. The allotment is a testament to the government's respect for former Chief Ministers, who have served the state for many years.

 

Manik Sarkar, who had been the Chief Minister for 20 years, had vacated the official residence after his party lost to BJP in the 2018 assembly elections. He had since been staying at CPI(M)'s guest house in Melarmath locality and later shifted to his current location. The Assembly Secretariat official stated that former Chief Ministers are entitled to government accommodation as per the rules framed in 1989 by the Congress-TUJS coalition government.

 

Different former Chief Ministers have been allotted different types of residences and facilities. Sachindra Lal Singh, the first Chief Minister of the territorial council and subsequent Assembly, was allotted a Type III quarter at Rabindra Palli in Agartala. Nripen Chakraborty, who was the CPI(M) Chief Minister, stayed in MLA Hostel (Number 2) from 1988 till his demise. Dasarath Deb, his successor, returned to his private home at the end of his term as Chief Minister. Samir Ranjan Barman, the former Congress Chief Minister, has been living in his personal house, and Biplab Kumar Deb, who was Chief Minister for nearly 4.5 years, has not vacated his official bungalow.

 

Sarkar's request for the same duplex bungalow was accepted by the state government, and he has been provided with the necessary facilities, including household staff and an official vehicle. His security has not been downgraded. The CPI(M) State committee has issued a statement countering the reports appearing in some sections of the news media, saying that Sarkar's request was made as per the existing rules and criteria.

 

UPSC Main Exam Question

 

Critically examine the decision of the Tripura government to allot duplex bungalow to former Chief Ministers, and assess its implications on public resources and accountability.