Manipur Congress blames state administration under President's Rule for infrastructure failure

The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has sharply criticised the state administration under President’s Rule, alleging severe negligence in implementing key rural infrastructure projects despite the release of substantial central funds.

Addressing the media at Congress Bhawan in Imphal, MPCC President K. Meghachandra claimed that the President’s Rule government has failed to execute the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase-III works, which were sanctioned to improve rural connectivity across the state.

According to Meghachandra, the Central Government had approved ₹404 crore and ₹205 crore in 2019 for the construction and upgradation of 1.25 lakh kilometres of rural roads under Phase-III of PMGSY. However, he alleged that the project remains entirely unimplemented, leaving road infrastructure across Manipur in “pathetic condition.”

He further said that although the tendering process began in 2024, it has not been completed. Meghachandra pointed out that tenders for the project have been floated and cancelled “two or three times,” raising suspicions of manipulation.

“The guidelines framed for the tendering process make it extremely difficult for local contractors to participate. It appears that officials and ministers are attempting to award the works to favoured contractors or companies. This is the real reason behind the repeated delays,” he alleged.

Condemning the functioning of the administration and the concerned department, the MPCC President noted that public anger is visible through ongoing protests across various parts of the state over deteriorating road conditions. He asserted that instead of “looting public money,” the government should prioritise people’s grievances and expedite the execution of rural road projects.

Meghachandra also warned that as per information obtained from the relevant Ministry, PMGSY Phase-III works must be tendered and executed before March 31, 2026, failing which the sanctioned funds may lapse. He urged the President’s Rule administration to take immediate corrective action to ensure Manipur does not lose the financial benefits meant for improving the state’s rural infrastructure.