Imphal:    The Manipur Legislative Assembly on Monday has approved a significant budget of Rs. 3,269.96 crore for six key departments. This decision represents a major development in the state’s financial planning for the upcoming year 2024-2025.

The largest portion of the budget, Rs. 1,974.72 crore, is allocated to the Public Works Department to support extensive infrastructure projects and maintenance across the state. The Social Welfare Department received Rs. 1,109.29 crore to improve social services and aid for vulnerable populations. Other allocations include Rs. 24.67 crore for the Transport Department to enhance transportation infrastructure, Rs. 89.95 crore for the Fisheries Department to promote sustainable fishing, Rs. 19.50 crore for the Information and Publicity Department, Rs. 44.74 crore for the Cooperation Department, and Rs. 7.05 crore for the Printing Department.

The budget was passed without opposition after opposition MLAs withdrew their cut motions. Earlier, Congress MLA Keisham Meghachandra had criticized the government for delays and poor conditions on major road projects, including the Imphal-Jiribam road and the Trans-Asian Highway. In response, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh defended the government’s progress, explaining that while most of the work on National Highway 137 is finished, some sections are still under construction due to unresolved land compensation issues.

Additionally, four government bills were introduced for review. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh presented “The Manipur Contingency Fund Bill, 2024” and “The Manipur Schedule Castes and Other Backward Classes (Regulation of Issuance and Verification of Caste Certificates) Bill, 2024.” Education Minister Th Basanta Kumar Singh introduced “The Dhanamanjuri University (Second Amendment) Bill, 2024” and “The Manipur Private School (Registration and Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2024.”

Opposition MLAs Surjakumar Okram and Th Lokeshwar offered comments on the education-related bills, but the legislative measures, including the budget, received broad support, reflecting a collaborative approach to the state’s development goals.