Imphal: During the evening session of the second day of the 6th Session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, the House unanimously passed two Manipur Appropriation Bills: The Manipur Appropriation (No.3) Bill, 2024 (Bill No. 10 of 2024), and The Manipur Appropriation (No.4) Bill, 2024 (Bill No. 11 of 2024). These bills were introduced by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who also oversees Finance.
In the discussion on the Budget Estimates for 2024-25, Chief Minister Biren Singh addressed queries from MLAs Th. Lokeshwar Singh (Khundrakpam A/C), Keisham Meghachandra Singh (Wangkhem A/C), K. Ranjit Singh (Sugnu A/C), Sheikh Noorul Hasan (Kshetrigao A/C), and Surjakumar Okram (Khangabok A/C). He assured the House of the government’s commitment to ensuring the timely payment of salaries and pensions for all current and retired government employees.
Addressing concerns about inflation and its economic impact, the Chief Minister called for unity and cooperation among elected members to find solutions without politicising the issue.
He highlighted the government’s proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of Manipur’s residents amidst ongoing challenges. Comprehensive data on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has been collected, and financial support has been sanctioned to repair damaged homes: Rs. 5 lakhs for kutcha houses, Rs. 7 lakhs for semi-pucca houses, and Rs. 10 lakhs for pucca houses. Additionally, compensation has been provided to farmers affected by the conflict who were unable to cultivate their fields.
To combat violence, the government has established and deployed additional security in over 150 locations across various districts in Manipur, manned by multiple State Security Forces. Furthermore, a special package request of Rs. 2000 crore has been proposed to the Center, with an initial allocation of around Rs. 500 crore already received. The Chief Minister informed that the remaining funds would be provided at the earliest.
