Manipur CM Khemchand Singh meets Sitharaman in Delhi, seeks aid

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Thursday, October 29, and asked the Centre for more financial help to pull the state out of its current fiscal difficulties.

The meeting took place at the finance minister's office in Kartavya Bhawan, according to an official statement from the Manipur government.

What Manipur asked for

The chief minister told Sitharaman that Manipur had suffered revenue losses over the past three years and needed central support to tide over the financial crisis.

He also sought additional money under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. Under SASCI, the Centre gives states 50-year interest-free loans for capital projects such as roads, bridges and public buildings, so a larger allocation would let Manipur fund more construction without adding to its interest bill.

Salaries paid on time, CM tells FM

Khemchand Singh briefed the finance minister on the state's attempts to keep its finances in order. He said the government had made sure salaries and pensions reach employees on the first working day of every month.

He also updated her on Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) under way in Manipur and on the rollout of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and other development work.

Centre's response

According to the state's statement, Sitharaman responded positively and assured the chief minister that the Centre would give all possible support to improve Manipur's financial health. No specific amount or new allocation was announced after the meeting.

The chief minister presented the finance minister with a traditional Lengyan, a Manipuri shawl, and a painting of Radha and Krishna.

Why it matters

Manipur's economy has been under strain since ethnic violence broke out in May 2023, which disrupted trade, transport and normal government spending in several districts, and displaced tens of thousands of people who are still housed in relief camps. The state relies heavily on central transfers to meet its expenses.

Other North Eastern states are also pressing the Centre for funds. This week Mizoram sought central support for a proposed ₹250-crore tourism circuit around Aizawl.