IMPHAL, March 12: The Manipur budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 has faced strong criticism from opposition parties, with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) labeling it “inadequate” to address key issues such as the suffering caused by ethnic violence, rising inflation, and unemployment. The Janata Dal United (JDU) also expressed dissatisfaction, calling the budget “not fully satisfactory” despite some increase in allocations compared to the previous fiscal year.

CPI state unit secretary Kshetrimayum Shanta criticized the budget for failing to address the dire needs of the people affected by violence, floods, and displacement. “The budget is inadequate to tackle the ongoing problems of the people, especially with more than 60,000 people rendered homeless due to ethnic violence,” Shanta said. He pointed to the devastation in Churachandpur, Moreh, and parts of Imphal, where homes were razed to the ground, yet there was no mention of any specific allocation for their reconstruction. Shanta also expressed concern that the budget had been tabled without adequate discussion or understanding of the ground realities in the state, particularly after the recent floods and the ongoing inflationary pressures.

In response to the budget, JD(U) Manipur unit secretary Maisnam Dorendro acknowledged the criticism but stated that previous assistance and funds had already been allocated for internally displaced persons. However, Dorendro still found the budget lacking, asserting that it was not fully satisfactory in addressing the needs of the people.

The budget, which includes a total expenditure of ₹35,104 crore and receipts of ₹35,368 crore, was passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, along with ₹51,463 crore in additional spending for the current fiscal. The budget allocates ₹2,634 crore in state taxes and ₹400 crore in non-tax revenues. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the budget, emphasized the government’s efforts to support the recovery of Manipur’s economy, similar to the financial assistance provided to Jammu and Kashmir. A ₹500 crore contingency fund has been set up under the Vote on Account to support the state’s recovery efforts.

The budget’s passage comes as Manipur continues to be under President’s Rule, with ongoing challenges related to violence and socio-economic instability.