IT News
Imphal, July 31:
In the first day of the 6th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who also holds the Finance portfolio, presented the State Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. In his address, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the citizens for their steadfast support during challenging times. He acknowledged the public’s valuable input, which has been crucial in shaping the government’s response to the recent crises. The Chief Minister condemned the tragic losses caused by inter-community conflicts and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace and rebuilding trust.
The budget reflects the severe economic impact of the unrest, including reduced revenue, increased security and relief expenditures, inflation, and disruptions in project execution. Despite these challenges, the Chief Minister noted a positive trend in tax revenues with the return of normalcy and expressed optimism about continued economic recovery.
The government’s immediate focus is on addressing the crisis’s impact through significant relief and rehabilitation efforts. A relief package of Rs. 101.75 crores has been allocated for operating relief camps, covering essential items and setup costs. An additional Rs. 209.45 crores is earmarked for relief and rehabilitation schemes, including Rs. 145.18 crores for temporary shelters and Rs. 38.60 crores to compensate affected farmers. Nutritional and hygiene needs in relief camps are supported with Rs. 89.22 crores, and Rs. 11 crores are allocated for IT services in affected districts. Furthermore, Rs. 3.35 crores have been spent on providing TV sets to improve living conditions in relief camps.
In response to the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), financial assistance of Rs. 1,000 per person has been provided, totaling Rs. 23.48 crores, with an additional Rs. 15 crores allocated for interim relief. The government has launched a major housing scheme to construct 5,000 permanent homes for displaced families, with Rs. 21.67 crores already released for initial construction. Financial aid of Rs. 29.34 lakhs has also been provided to UPSC exam candidates from hill areas.
The budget includes substantial support for economic recovery and local enterprise. Rs. 10 crores has been allocated for ex-gratia payments to families affected by unrest-related deaths. Additionally, the “CMESS-Special Support to Successful Start-Up and Entrepreneurs for Employment of IDPs” scheme has been introduced, offering up to Rs. 1 crore with a 35% subsidy to start-ups employing IDPs. This initiative has already benefited 339 IDPs, with Rs. 1.61 crores disbursed. To promote local enterprise, the State Government has decided to use products made by relief camp inmates for government office supplies, with an initial allocation of Rs. 50.07 lakhs to the Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Corporation. A corpus fund of Rs. 5 crores has been set aside for addressing crimes against women, ensuring immediate relief and support.
In response to recent natural disasters, including severe hailstorms and flooding, approximately Rs. 60 crores from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) has been allocated for relief efforts, with an additional Rs. 20 crores recently approved. The Central Government is being approached for further compensation for these damages.
The Chief Minister also highlighted several achievements and ongoing projects. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, 84 schemes have been completed, and 1,273 are nearing completion, with 79.45% coverage for functional household tap connections and 293 villages certified as ‘Har Ghar Jal Villages.’ The state is leading in installing smart water meters and has approved new water supply projects worth Rs. 146.07 crores.
Improvements in the power sector include the State DISCOM (MSPDCL) achieving a Grade A rating and being recognized as one of the top ten power distribution companies in India. Prepaid metering is widespread, with 4.92 lakh out of 5.21 lakh consumers using prepaid meters.
In health, progress is being made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of good health and well-being. Under the PM Jan Arogya Yojana, 6,02,268 Ayushman cards have been issued, with efforts continuing to cover remaining beneficiaries.
The education sector has seen enhancements with the provision of solar panels and potable water to schools. The government has also invested in promoting entrepreneurship, with over Rs. 129 crores provided to start-ups and MSMEs.
The Chief Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to holistic development, ensuring that the benefits of new and existing schemes reach every citizen. The government aims to complement and enhance Central Government initiatives, fostering comprehensive growth across various sectors.