Prolonged Manipur crisis resulted to Rs 1,200 crores GST revenue decline: CM

IMPHAL, SEP 16 (NPN): Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said on Wednesday that the prolonged conflict in the state had resulted in a decline of more than Rs 1,200 crores in Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue from 2023 to 2026, putting considerable pressure on the state’s economy.
Addressing the 52nd Foundation Day celebration of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) held in Imphal today, Singh said that the economic impact of the conflict had been compounded by disruptions caused by bandhs and blockades.
He appealed to all civil society organizations not of the state not to resort to bandhs and blockades.
He said that the collateral impact of such actions had affected the state significantly in terms of economic activity and development.
The chief minister stressed for collective efforts to create an environment conducive to economic recovery and development.
The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) celebrated its 52nd foundation day at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal. The chief minister led other dignitaries and members of the AMWJU in paying floral tribute to the journalists who had passed away at the AMWJU Memorial Stone erected at Manipur Press Club in their remembrance.
Talking on the government’s initiative for the welfare of journalists, the chief minister informed that the journalist pension amount would be increased from present Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per month, while the family pension would be increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000 per month.
He further informed that during the conflict, many journalists could not make their contributions to the DIPR Journalist Pension Scheme. For those who could not pay their contributions, a one-time relaxation will be allowed to reactivate their pension’s accounts, he added. The chief minister stated that the above matters would be placed before the Cabinet meeting for consideration. Regarding pending advertisement bills, Singh informed that pending bills amounting to around Rs one crore had been disbursed recently. He said that a follow-up meeting with all heads of departments has been scheduled for September 25 to further deliberate on the matter.
MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha, Secretary (IPR) Neeta Arambam, director (IPR) Dr Th. Charanjeet Singh, president of Editors’ Guild Manipur Khogenra Khomdram, president of AMWJU Asem Bhakta Singh, officials, journalists and members of the AMWJU were among others who attended the occasion.