Ethnic conflict caused over Rs 1,200 crore GST revenue loss, strained Manipur economy: CM

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday said the prolonged ethnic conflict in the state had led to a decline of over Rs 1,200 crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue between 2023 and 2026, putting considerable pressure on the state's economy.

Addressing the 52nd Foundation Day celebration of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal, he also appealed to all civil society organisations (CSOs) of the state not to resort to bandhs (shutdowns) and blockades, noting that the collateral impact of such actions had affected the state significantly in terms of economic activity and development, and appealed for collective efforts to create an environment conducive to economic recovery and development.

On the welfare of journalists, the Chief Minister informed that the journalist pension amount would be increased from 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 Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Journalist Pension Scheme. For those who could not pay their contributions, a one-time relaxation will be allowed to re-activate their pension accounts, he added.

The Chief Minister stated that the above matters would be placed before the Cabinet meeting for consideration.

Regarding pending advertisements, Khemchand Singh informed that pending advertisement bills amounting to around Rs 1 crore had been disbursed.

He said that a follow-up meeting with all Heads of Departments has been scheduled for September 25 to further deliberate on the matter. The programme was attended by MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha, Secretary (IPR) Neeta Arambam, Director Charanjeet Singh, President of Editors’ Guild Manipur Khogenra Khomdram, President of AMWJU Asem Bhakta Singh, officials, journalists and members of the AMWJU, among others.

On the occasion, Khemchand Singh also paid floral tribute at the AMWJU memorial stone in remembrance of journalists who had passed away.

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