Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the prolonged ethnic conflict caused over Rs 1,200 crore in GST revenue decline between 2023 and 2026, straining the state economy, while urging an end to bandhs and blockades to support economic recovery.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday said the prolonged ethnic conflict in the state had resulted in a decline of more than Rs 1,200 crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue between 2023 and 2026, placing considerable pressure on the state’s economy.
Khemchand Singh made the statement while addressing the 52nd Foundation Day celebration of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal. The Chief Minister also appealed to civil society organisations (CSOs) across the state to avoid resorting to bandhs and blockades, citing their impact on economic activity and development.
According to the Chief Minister, the prolonged conflict has had a significant economic impact on Manipur, with the GST revenue decline adding pressure to the state’s finances. He called for collective efforts from different sections of society to create conditions that would support economic recovery and development.
Khemchand Singh said the collateral impact of shutdowns and blockades had affected economic activities in the state. He urged civil society organisations and other stakeholders to work towards an environment that would allow economic activity to recover and development initiatives to progress.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came as he addressed the gathering of journalists and media representatives on the occasion of AMWJU’s foundation day. The event also focused on issues concerning the welfare and functioning of journalists in Manipur.
On the welfare of journalists, Khemchand Singh announced that the monthly journalist pension would be increased from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000, while the family pension would rise from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000. However, the proposed changes are subject to consideration by the state Cabinet.
The Chief Minister also addressed difficulties faced by journalists who could not make their contributions to the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Journalist Pension Scheme during the conflict period.
He said a one-time relaxation would be provided for eligible journalists who were unable to make the required contributions, allowing them to reactivate their pension accounts. Khemchand Singh stated that the proposed measures would be placed before the Cabinet for consideration.
The Chief Minister also spoke about pending government advertisement payments to media organisations. He informed the gathering that pending advertisement bills amounting to around Rs 1 crore had been disbursed. He further said that a follow-up meeting with all Heads of Departments had been scheduled for September 25 to discuss the matter further.
The issue of pending advertisement payments has been a concern for media organisations in the state. During the programme, Editors’ Guild Manipur president Khogenra Khomdram also highlighted challenges faced by newspapers and media houses, including outstanding government advertisement bills.
The 52nd Foundation Day programme was attended by MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha, Secretary (IPR) Neeta Arambam, Director (IPR) Dr Th. Charanjeet Singh, Editors’ Guild Manipur president Khogenra Khomdram, AMWJU president Asem Bhakta Singh, government officials, journalists and members of the journalists’ union.
The event also included a remembrance programme. Chief Minister Khemchand Singh paid floral tribute at the AMWJU memorial stone in memory of journalists who had passed away.
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The Chief Minister’s comments placed the economic consequences of the prolonged conflict alongside measures concerning journalist welfare and media-related payments. He reiterated the need for collective efforts to restore economic activity and create conditions conducive to recovery and development in Manipur.
