Imphal, February 3, 2026: Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Keisham Meghachandra on Tuesday criticised the Union Budget 2026–27, alleging that it failed to adequately address the ongoing humanitarian, economic, and social challenges facing Manipur. He urged the Union Government to announce a Special Crisis Package for the state, saying Manipur requires urgent intervention rather than routine administrative measures.
 |
| Manipur Congress President Keisham Meghachandra (PTI) |
Speaking to reporters while reacting to the Union Budget, Meghachandra said the financial proposals lacked specific provisions to address the extraordinary circumstances prevailing in Manipur following months of unrest. He remarked that "while the budget may be big in numbers, for Manipur it is painfully small in intent," arguing that the people of the state had expected a stronger commitment from the Centre in view of the continuing crisis.
The Wangkhem Assembly constituency legislator said that thousands of people continue to face displacement, disrupted livelihoods, and economic hardship, making it imperative for the Union Government to provide targeted assistance. According to him, the Budget did not include any announcement of a special financial package, reconstruction mission, or a comprehensive employment generation roadmap aimed specifically at helping Manipur recover from the prolonged conflict.
"There has been no special package, no reconstruction mission, no employment roadmap, and nothing that reflects the seriousness of the crisis on the ground," Meghachandra said. He maintained that the state requires focused policy interventions to rebuild damaged infrastructure, restore livelihoods, and facilitate the rehabilitation of affected families.
Clarifying his position, the Congress leader said that continuing existing schemes meant for the North Eastern region should not be viewed as special assistance for Manipur. He argued that the state's current situation demands extraordinary measures beyond regular budgetary allocations.
"Manipur needed urgency, political sensitivity, and bold intervention. What we received instead is mere administrative continuity," he said, adding that the challenges confronting the state cannot be addressed through routine governance alone.
Meghachandra also questioned whether the vision of inclusive national development could be realised while, according to him, a border state experiencing a prolonged humanitarian crisis did not receive dedicated attention in the Union Budget. He asserted that Manipur's strategic location and importance to the country's security and unity warrant greater priority in national planning.
The MPCC president further stated that the people of Manipur were not seeking charity but expecting the Union Government to fulfil its responsibility towards citizens affected by the crisis. He said meaningful assistance should include accelerated rehabilitation of internally displaced persons, restoration of damaged public infrastructure, revival of economic activities, and measures to create employment opportunities for those whose livelihoods have been affected.
ALSO READ: Officials, Security Team Attacked During IDP Resettlement Assessment in Sekmai Area
"A nation that aspires to become a global power cannot afford to neglect a border state that is vital to its unity and security," Meghachandra said. He urged the Centre to immediately address what he described as the omission in the Union Budget by announcing a dedicated Special Crisis Package for Manipur.
The Congress leader also appealed for faster implementation of rehabilitation programmes, reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, and comprehensive support to revive the state's economy and restore normalcy.
The Union Government has not issued any response to Meghachandra's remarks regarding the Union Budget or his demand for a special package for Manipur.
