Imphal: The sixth session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly commenced on Wednesday, with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, also serving as Finance Minister, unveiling the Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. The budget, featuring a gross expenditure of Rs 34,889 crores, underscores the economic challenges and recovery efforts following the recent unrest in the state.
The current session, set to run until August 12, will include nine sittings to address various legislative issues. The previous Assembly session concluded on March 5, 2024.
In his budget presentation, CM Singh addressed the significant economic repercussions of the ongoing unrest, such as decreased revenue, heightened security and relief costs, inflation, and complications in goods movement and project execution. He acknowledged the Central Government’s support, including a special aid of Rs 500 crore to offset the state’s revenue shortfalls.
Relief Measures
The Chief Minister detailed several relief measures approved by the Central Government:
– Rs 101.75 crore for operating relief camps for violence-displaced people.
– Rs 209.45 crore for relief and rehabilitation schemes.
– Rs 145.18 crore for temporary shelters for 3000 displaced families.
– Rs 38.60 crore compensatory package for farmers, with Rs 18.91 crore already released to 3483 farmers.
– Rs 89.22 crore for dietary support in relief camps.
– Rs 375 crore for building 5000 permanent houses for displaced persons, with Rs 21.67 crore already released for initial works.
Law and Order Enhancement
The state also invested in enhancing police mobility and security with the acquisition of 40 bullet-proof light motor vehicles and 10 mine-protected vehicles, spending Rs 80 crore on vehicles and related arms.
Development Projects and Schemes
Singh also highlighted several developmental projects funded under the PM DevINE scheme:
– Rs 54 crore for Manipur Technical University and Rs 71 crore for Dhanamanjuri University infrastructure development.
– Rs 31 crore for the Manipur University of Culture.
– Rs 1600 crore allocated for the health sector, including a 60-bed mental hospital and super speciality healthcare in remote areas.
– Two tourism projects at Khoupum and Shirui, costing Rs 80 crore.
– Four roads and bridges in border districts, costing Rs 140 crore.
Externall Aided Projects
Additionally, six externally aided projects (EAPs) totaling approximately Rs 7,000 crore are underway. They are (i) Imphal-Kangchup-Tamenglong road (ADB funded) (ii) Manipur Water Supply Project (NDB funded) (iii) Forest Management Project (KfW funded) (iv) Dam Rehabilitation Project (World Bank funded) (v) Sewerage Project Phase-II (NDB funded) (vi) Lamphelpat Waterbody Rejuvenation Project (NDB funded)
Flood Management
The ‘Flood Management and Border Area Programme’ which aims to address flood management in 10 river basins across the state has been allocated with Rs 220 crore. Additional projects for wetland conservation and the Loktak Lake Integrated Management Plan received Rs 145 crore this year.
The Budget Estimates tabled by the Chief Minister include:
– Total receipts: Rs 34,815 crore
– Revenue receipts: Rs 27,716 crore
– Capital receipts: Rs 7,099 crore
– Total gross expenditure: Rs 34,899 crore
– Revenue expenditure: Rs 20,628 crore
– Fiscal deficit: Rs 1526 crore
The budget reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing both immediate relief needs and long-term development goals, signaling a determined effort to navigate the state through its current challenges and towards a path of recovery and growth.
Many questions can be raised but don’t know how to
Thats the point of many people just like me
The budget displays big amounts but the work done with the money is negligible. Where are the money?