Congress MLA Keisham Meghachandra Singh today criticised the Yumnam Khemchand Singh-led government for failing to release budgeted funds for 2025–26 even after the close of the financial year, warning that the lapse would adversely affect development and welfare programmes in the State.
Addressing a press conference at his official residence in Babupara, Imphal West, Meghachandra said a substantial portion of funds earmarked for development projects and welfare schemes remained undisbursed as of March 31. He described the State’s economic condition as “pathetic” amid the prevailing law and order situation.
“Except for a small portion, most of the allocated funds have not been released. This will have a significant impact on the State,” he said, adding that the non-release would stall ongoing and planned projects. He further noted that reclaiming lapsed funds would involve additional administrative procedures, leading to delays and loss of time and resources.
Raising concerns over the conclusion of the 15th Finance Commission term, Meghachandra said Manipur risks losing a significant share of allocated funds. Of the Rs. 1,043 crore earmarked for Autonomous District Councils, urban local bodies and panchayats, over Rs. 600 crore remains unutilised, he claimed. “For a financially constrained State like Manipur, a loss of over Rs. 600 crore is substantial,” he added.
Alleging lack of accountability, the Congress leader said the failure to ensure timely fund disbursal reflects broader governance deficiencies.
He also criticised the delay in filling vacant ministerial posts, terming it “undemocratic and unconstitutional”. Responding to queries on the seven vacant berths, Meghachandra said governance cannot be effectively carried out with a limited number of ministers and urged the government to expand the Cabinet without further delay.
“The government cannot be run by just a few individuals. It has already been over a month since its formation, and the remaining ministerial posts should have been filled by now,” he said.
The State government, led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, was sworn in on February 4. The Cabinet currently has five members, including the Chief Minister, two Deputy Chief Ministers—Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho—and two Ministers, Konthoujam Govindas and Khuraijam Loken Singh. With seven berths still vacant, the Opposition has stepped up criticism over the delay and its impact on governance.