Manipur CM flags Rs 1,200 crore GST drop, says bandh-hit economy needs urgent recovery

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on October 6 said the ongoing conflict has dealt a major blow to the state's economy, with its Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue declining by more than Rs 1,200 crore.

Addressing a Seva Sankalp Abhiyan programme at Yaorang Sabal Community Hall in Patsoi Part IV, Imphal West, Khemchand said restoring economic activity would require a peaceful environment and greater cooperation among communities.

The programme was organised by the Imphal West district administration, with more than 30 service stalls and counters set up by various government departments to provide public services, information and access to welfare schemes. A large number of residents from Patsoi Assembly Constituency attended the programme.

Khemchand said bandhs and general strikes were further hurting an economy already affected by the conflict, with losses estimated at around Rs 20-25 crore for a single day of shutdown.

"Government employees wouldn't be affected by a bandh. They will receive their salary even if there is a bandh or general strike. It is the daily earners who bear the brunt of the bandh," he said.

The Chief Minister urged civil society organisations to consider dialogue and other forms of protest instead of calling bandhs and general strikes, which he said disproportionately affect daily wage earners and economic activity.

Khemchand also linked Manipur's economic recovery to the broader national goal of making India a developed country by 2047. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat, he said Manipur, as a constituent state of India, must contribute to the country's development while also benefiting from its progress.

He stressed that development would remain difficult without peace in the state and called for efforts to reduce the trust deficit between communities through greater mutual understanding, cooperation and confidence-building.

Referring to Modi's 25 years in public life, from serving as Gujarat chief minister to becoming Prime Minister, Khemchand said India had strengthened its position among the world's largest economies during this period. He said the country's economic ranking had improved from 11th to fourth place.

Patsoi MLA Sapam Kunjakeswor said the Manipur government was making efforts to restore lasting peace and normalcy in the state. He pointed to the reopening of national highways as a sign of gradual improvement and urged people to place their trust in the government and extend their support for restoring complete normalcy.

The programme was attended by senior government officials, including the Imphal West deputy commissioner.