Sitharaman Commits to Complete Financial Backing for Manipur's Development
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the Parliament Budget session in Rajya Sabha, highlighting the government's commitment to supporting the economic growth of Manipur.
In the 2025-26 budget, the central government has allocated an additional Rs 2,898 crore for Manipur. Of this, Rs 1,667 crore is earmarked for capital expenditure, and Rs 1,231 crore for revenue expenditure. These funds aim to support the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), security expenses, deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), repayment of high-interest loans, and additional support under the Special Assistance to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SASCI) scheme.
The government is also promoting integrated development in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, health, and education to drive economic growth. For instance, efforts are being made to increase millet production aligned with nutrition initiatives, improve health outcomes related to infant mortality and diseases like malaria and sickle cell anemia, and enhance teacher training to boost education quality in government schools.
Manipur’s economy, which has been affected by conflict, is being targeted for stabilization through these budgetary provisions aimed at restoring trust and stability in the state. Alongside, scientific and local organizations like the Pan India Manipuri Meitei Scientists Association (PIMMSAA) have begun work on masterplans to strengthen the state's economy with innovative solutions.
Sitharaman assured the Parliament that the Modi government has greater sensitivity and care for Manipur and other states. She also boasted of the government's past achievements in the economy, such as the Production-linked Incentive (PLI) schemes that have attracted investments worth Rs 1.5 trillion and created about 9,50,000 jobs across the country.
However, some related legislative bills, including the Manipur Appropriation Bill and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Amendment Bill for 2025, faced political challenges in the Rajya Sabha, with opposition protests and a return of the bills for further consideration, reflecting ongoing political dynamics around economic governance in the state.
In summary, Manipur’s economic growth is supported by substantial central government funding aimed at rehabilitation, security, and development, alongside sector-focused initiatives and local masterplans to boost economic stability and growth prospects. Sitharaman assured the Parliament that the government is committed to providing support for the economic growth of Manipur and seeking to bring normalcy to the state.
[1] Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India [2] Source: Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India [3] Source: Pan India Manipuri Meitei Scientists Association (PIMMSAA) [4] Source: Ministry of Finance, Government of India [5] Source: Rajya Sabha TV, Lok Sabha TV, and various news outlets
During the 2025-26 budget, policies and legislations, such as the Manipur Appropriation Bill and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Amendment Bill, are facing challenges in the political arena, indicative of ongoing dynamics in economic governance. Meanwhile, the allocation of additional funds for Manipur aims to support rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons, security expenses, and economic stabilization, highlighting the government's commitment to the state's growth, as expressed by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
