New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Manipur budget for 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha on Monday, outlining a proposed expenditure of Rs. 35,103.90 crore, marking an increase from Rs. 32,656.81 crore in the current fiscal year.
Manipur, currently under President’s Rule, anticipates total receipts of Rs. 35,368.19 crore for the upcoming fiscal year, compared to Rs. 32,471.90 crore in 2024-25.
The budget reflects a 19% rise in capital outlay, which stands at Rs. 7,773 crore, focusing on infrastructure development and economic growth.
Over Rs. 2,000 crore has been allocated under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, while Rs. 9,520 crore has been earmarked for social sector initiatives.
Key provisions include Rs. 15 crore for temporary shelters for internally displaced persons, Rs. 35 crore for housing for displaced families, Rs. 100 crore for relief operations, and Rs. 7 crore for compensation.
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To enhance law and order, Rs. 2,866 crore has been allocated for police incentives in sensitive areas.
Additionally, Sitharaman tabled the supplementary demands for grants for Manipur for the fiscal year 2024-25, signalling continued financial and administrative support for the state amidst its ongoing challenges.
Meanwhile, normal life continues to be affected in Manipur as agitators enforced an indefinite shutdown called by Kuki-Zo groups against a “crackdown by security forces”.
The situation in Kangpokpi district, where at least one person was killed and 40 others were injured in clashes between Kuki demonstrators and security forces on March 8, remained tense.
