The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM) has raised serious concerns over the recently approved budget for the 5th State Level Shirui Lily Festival 2025, calling it disproportionate and lacking in inclusivity. In a detailed representation submitted to the Chief Secretary of Manipur on May 6, the council urged immediate revision of the Rs. 6.30 crore allocation approved during the Executive Committee meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh on April 24.
TYCM, which comprises 17 civil society organisations, argued that the festival’s budget heavily favors entertainment and superficial attractions, while overlooking essential infrastructure, inclusion of persons with disabilities, and promotion of local entrepreneurs and indigenous farmers. They emphasized that the festival, funded entirely by the government, should not be reduced to a spectacle but serve as a meaningful platform for socio-economic development, particularly for the people of the hill districts.
The youth council expressed particular dismay over the absence of any budgetary provisions for promoting local entrepreneurship or ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities. They pointed out that the current infrastructure along the 1.5-kilometer trail from Shirui Village to Shirui Peak is grossly inadequate. At present, only one rest house, a water tank, and two public toilets are available at the peak, while the trail itself lacks basic amenities such as rest stops, stair railings, and toilets. TYCM called for immediate construction of an alternative route to ease congestion, along with additional public toilets and rest houses at key points between the village and the peak.
After reviewing the budget, TYCM criticised several approved items as unjustified. They argued that spending Rs. 2.83 crore on the SHiROCK music event and Rs. 40 lakh on a drone show was excessive, while Rs. 20 lakh allocated for a beauty pageant and Rs. 20 lakh for a fireworks display on the closing day did not align with the core objectives of the festival. They also questioned the Rs. 5.25 lakh set aside for public transportation between Imphal and Ukhrul, stating that the state’s Transport Department already maintains a fleet of buses and should handle such logistics without additional expense. Similarly, they found the Rs. 16 lakh allocated for security and traffic management to be unnecessary, as these responsibilities fall within the normal duties of the Police and Traffic Departments, both of which are already salaried through public funds.
TYCM also urged the inclusion of Langdang Village in the festival’s planning and budgetary framework. They pointed out that Langdang serves as a vital access point to Shirui Peak and surrounding tourist sites and recommended that areas like Phangrei Zero Point be developed to enhance the festival’s reach. The council proposed support for roadside shops, temporary amenities, and essential facilities within the jurisdiction of Langdang Village to stimulate local economic activity.
In their appeal, TYCM called for unity and cooperation among government departments and festival planners to deliver a celebration that truly benefits all stakeholders. They insisted that only through a revised and inclusive approach can the Shirui Lily Festival evolve into a meaningful event that upholds its cultural and developmental significance.
They reiterated that the festival is a government-organized and government-financed event, not managed by private firms or NGOs, and therefore must reflect public priorities. By realigning the budget and incorporating practical improvements, TYCM believes the festival can be a platform for both celebration and sustainable development.