Manipur government announces fuel conservation and expenditure reduction measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal amid global challenges. The state Cabinet approves work-from-home arrangements, reduced VIP convoys, recruitment reforms, highway expansion compensation, power sector rationalisation, tourism development projects, and extension of the Manipur Water Supply Project.
Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for prudent resource management in view of prevailing global challenges, the Manipur government has unveiled a series of fuel conservation and expenditure reduction measures aimed at ensuring efficient governance and responsible use of public funds.
The decisions were taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at the Civil Secretariat in Mantripukhri, Imphal, on Friday. According to officials from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the Cabinet deliberated on various strategies to align the state’s administrative practices with the Prime Minister’s appeal for greater resource conservation and fiscal discipline.
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the approval of several initiatives designed to reduce fuel consumption and minimize non-essential government expenditure. These include reducing the size of VIP convoys after a detailed security review, implementing work-from-home arrangements for official functions where feasible, freezing government-funded foreign travel, and curbing unnecessary spending across departments.
Officials stated that the measures are intended to help the state administration operate more efficiently while ensuring that essential public services remain unaffected. The government believes that these steps will contribute significantly to fuel savings and strengthen fiscal management during a period of global economic uncertainty.
Apart from cost-cutting measures, the Cabinet also approved the filling of 173 Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM) posts under the Family Welfare Department. The recruitment will be supported through Central government funding and is expected to strengthen healthcare services across the state, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
In another significant move, the Cabinet granted a two-year age relaxation for future recruitment processes yet to be notified by various state government departments. The decision is expected to provide greater employment opportunities for eligible candidates who may have been affected by delays in recruitment over recent years.
The Cabinet further approved compensation rates related to land acquisition required for the expansion of the Imphal-Jiribam and Imphal-Dimapur national highways. Officials said the decision would facilitate smoother implementation of the projects and help ensure timely completion of critical infrastructure development works.
Improved highway connectivity is expected to boost economic activities, enhance transportation networks, and improve accessibility across different parts of Manipur. The projects are also anticipated to play a key role in promoting trade and regional development.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the rationalisation of posts within the Manipur State Power Company Limited (MSPCL). The move aims to create better promotional opportunities for employees while enhancing administrative efficiency within the power sector.
The state government also cleared the extension of the New Development Bank-funded Manipur Water Supply Project, a crucial initiative intended to improve water supply infrastructure and ensure sustainable access to clean drinking water.
Further boosting tourism prospects, the Cabinet approved the Tourism Department’s proposal to implement the ‘Loktak Experience Project.’ The initiative seeks to transform the iconic Loktak Lake into a premier tourist destination, promoting eco-tourism, local livelihoods, and economic growth.
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Officials said the Cabinet’s decisions reflect the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, infrastructure development, public welfare, employment generation, and sustainable growth while responding proactively to evolving global challenges.
