Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has raised serious concerns about a growing trend among IAS officers who fail to return to the state after their central deputation ends. Addressing a public gathering on Sunday during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the upcoming Civil Service Officers’ Institute at Kunjaban, Saha revealed that he has formally communicated the issue to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Although the Chief Minister refrained from naming individual officers, he pointed out that some bureaucrats have shown reluctance to return to Tripura and have allegedly engaged in indirect lobbying to extend their central postings.
“It becomes a problem when officers are unwilling to return to their parent cadre,” said Saha. “I have already written to the Prime Minister regarding this matter.”
The new Civil Service Officers’ Institute, aimed at improving working conditions and infrastructure for civil servants, is part of the state government’s effort to retain top administrative talent. Saha expressed optimism that the new facility would reduce the urge among officers to seek postings outside the state.
“I hope the officers will not request me for deputation outside Tripura once this institute is inaugurated, where all necessary facilities will be available,” he said, underlining the government’s commitment to creating a more conducive work environment for its bureaucrats.
While acknowledging that deputation is a normal part of bureaucratic service, Saha took issue with the pattern of officers avoiding their home cadre for extended periods. “The issue arises not with deputation itself, but with the reluctance to return,” he noted.
Despite his critique, the Chief Minister praised the bureaucracy for its role in Tripura’s development. He highlighted the increase in the state budget from ₹27,000 crore in 2024–25 to ₹32,000 crore for 2025–26, calling it a sign of “comprehensive growth.”
Reflecting on his own career, Saha remarked, “I had no target to be a doctor, but I became a doctor. I also went on to this position. It is the people’s blessings.”
The issue of bureaucratic retention has been a persistent challenge in the northeastern states, where officers often prefer metro postings for better infrastructure and professional opportunities. Tripura’s latest move signals a strategic attempt to reverse this trend through institutional investment and high-level advocacy with the Centre.
