CM Khemchand Singh Calls for Unity as Manipur’s GST Earnings Drop by More Than ₹1,200 Crore

Imphal, September 16 – Manipur’s chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh warned that the state’s GST earnings have fallen by over ₹1,200 crore between 2023 and 2026 due to persistent ethnic unrest. Speaking at the All Manipur Working Journalists Union’s 52nd foundation day, Singh urged all civil‑society groups to avoid strikes and blockades that further damage the state’s economic engine.

He emphasized that the revenue gap is creating a heavy burden on Manipur’s finances and called for a collective effort to restore a stable environment that encourages investment and development.

Singh also announced a hike in journalist pensions, raising the monthly amount from ₹8,000 to ₹10,000, while family pensions will increase from ₹5,000 to ₹7,000. He noted that many reporters could not make contributions to the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) pension plan during the turmoil, and they will receive a one‑time waiver to reactivate their accounts.

The chief minister said the cabinet will discuss these proposals in its next session. He added that about ₹1 crore in pending advertisement dues has been cleared, and a follow‑up meeting with department heads is slated for September 25. The event concluded with a wreath‑laying ceremony at the AMWJU memorial stone in honor of journalists who died in the line of duty.