Union MoS for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar assured Manipur of full Central support for its holistic development, reviewing key schemes, budgetary allocations, and relief measures for violence-affected communities during a high-level meeting in Imphal.
Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Monday reaffirmed the Central government’s commitment to ensuring Manipur’s overall development and recovery, assuring full support across all sectors. Chairing a high-level review meeting with senior state officials at the Old Secretariat in Imphal, the minister emphasized that the Centre is determined to aid Manipur’s progress, stability, and rehabilitation of communities affected by ethnic unrest.
Focus on Central Schemes and Developmental Projects
During the meeting, Kumar thoroughly reviewed the implementation of Central schemes and the utilization of the 10 per cent Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) allocated to the state. The review included programs under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), as well as flagship initiatives of other Central Ministries and Departments.
A senior official present at the meeting informed that the minister was also briefed on funds released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for relief operations, resettlement, and rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the recent ethnic violence. Kumar stressed the importance of ensuring that every rupee allocated by the Centre reaches the intended beneficiaries efficiently and transparently.
Sectoral Review and Time-Bound Action Plans
The Union minister evaluated the progress of projects spanning multiple departments, including Health, Education, Transport and Connectivity, Power, Tourism, Rural Development, Housing, Agriculture, Food Processing, Handloom, Handicrafts, and Textiles. Officials from each department presented detailed reports and time-bound “Action Plans” to improve sectoral performance.
In his remarks, Kumar emphasized the need for speedy implementation of flagship schemes and closer coordination between Central and state departments. “The Government of India stands firmly with Manipur. The Prime Minister’s vision is to ensure that every citizen of the Northeast region enjoys equal opportunities for growth and prosperity,” he said.
Tourism Sector Decline Due to Unrest and High Airfares
One of the key concerns raised during the meeting was the sharp decline in tourist arrivals in Manipur. According to official data, the number of tourists visiting the state dropped from over 1.79 lakh in 2019-20 (1.67 lakh domestic and 12,000 foreign) to approximately 17,000 in 2024-25 (15,700 domestic and 1,300 foreign).
Officials attributed the drastic fall primarily to civil unrest and security concerns, along with the high cost of airfare. Anurag Bajpai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Additional Chief Secretary, urged the minister to take up the matter with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, highlighting that the state government has already written to the Ministry to seek intervention for fare rationalization and increased flight connectivity.
Review of Oil Palm Mission and North East Budget Support
Kumar also reviewed the progress of projects under the National Oil Palm Mission, recently launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Family Welfare, aimed at boosting the state’s agro-economy and generating rural employment. State officials detailed the potential, challenges, and strategic roadmap for effective implementation of the mission.
Additionally, discussions were held on the 10 per cent GBS of the DoNER Ministry, with an assessment of expenditures incurred so far. Kumar directed departments to maintain transparency and accelerate work on sanctioned projects to ensure timely completion.
Commitment to Rehabilitation and Peace
The meeting further addressed the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts for families displaced by the ethnic violence. Kumar reiterated that the Centre is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide both financial and logistical support for rebuilding affected areas.
“The Home Ministry is committed to restoring peace, stability, and development in Manipur. We are working in close coordination with the state government to ensure lasting normalcy,” he said, adding that development cannot thrive without peace and mutual trust among communities.
Meeting with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla
Later in the evening, the MoS called on Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan, Imphal, where the two discussed the state’s current administrative and security situation. Kumar assured the Governor that the Centre would extend all possible assistance to speed up the implementation of developmental initiatives and ensure the return of normalcy across all districts.
| Also Read: Gauhati HC Chief Justice Praises Mizoram CM for Judicial Reforms |
With renewed Central attention and coordination between both levels of governance, the meeting signaled a fresh push for comprehensive recovery and sustainable growth in Manipur, a state vital to India’s strategic and cultural fabric in the Northeast.
