Cong in Manipur slams budget, says Rs 734cr for IDPs not enough

Imphal: Opposition Congress on Tuesday said the Manipur budget estimates for 2026-27 leave little room for development, as a large portion of funds are tied up in salaries, pensions, and interest payments.

Leader of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in the Manipur assembly, Keisham Meghachandra Singh, criticised the budget presented by chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh as unpromising for the state’s growth and development.




During the general discussion on the budget estimates, Keisham said the allocation of Rs 734 crore for the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is inadequate. He said thousands of people had lost their homes, properties, vehicles, and livelihoods during the violence and continue to live in relief camps or temporary shelters. In such circumstances, he said, the allocation would not be sufficient to meet the needs of affected families.

The CLP leader also sought clarification on the proposed women’s economic empowerment scheme, which allocates Rs 350 crore for nearly 3.5 lakh women. He questioned how the govt plans to identify beneficiaries and asked for detailed information about the scheme. Keisham said, according to the budget summary, a major portion of the expenditure is committed to salaries, pensions, and interest payments, leaving only about 44% of the total outlay for development and welfare.

“With such a large share of the budget going towards committed expenditure, there is very little scope left for meaningful development,” he said. Key sectors affecting daily life — including road infrastructure, water supply — require significant investment, but the budget does not reflect this need. “The budget does not give much hope to the people for economic recovery or development,” he added.

Responding to the queries, CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh acknowledged that the allocation for IDPs might not be adequate but pointed out that Rs 734 crore is just for 2026-27, and financial assistance has been extended to displaced people since 2023-24.