Senior Congress leader Keisham Meghachandra on Wednesday criticised the Government of Manipur for failing to release budgeted funds for the 2025–26 financial year even after its close, warning that the lapse would adversely impact development and welfare programmes in the State.

Addressing a press conference at his official residence, Meghachandra described the State’s economic condition as “pathetic” amid the prevailing law and order situation. He said a significant portion of funds earmarked for development projects and welfare schemes remained undisbursed as of March 31, the last day of the financial year.

“Except for a small portion, most of the allocated funds have not been released. This will have a significant impact on the State,” he said, questioning the government’s inability to ensure timely disbursal.
He cautioned that the non-release of funds could stall both ongoing and proposed development projects.

Reclaiming lapsed funds, he added, would involve additional administrative procedures, leading to delays and unnecessary expenditure of time and resources.

The Congress leader also raised concerns over the conclusion of the 15th Finance Commission term, stating that Manipur risks losing a substantial share of allocated funds. Of the ₹1,043 crore earmarked for Autonomous District Councils, urban local bodies, and panchayats, over ₹600 crore remains unutilised and pending, he said.

“For a financially constrained State like Manipur, a loss of over ₹600 crore is substantial. With the Commission’s term ending, these funds may no longer be claimable, resulting in a major setback,” he added.

Condemning what he termed administrative lapses, Meghachandra alleged a lack of accountability within the government, asserting that the delay in fund release reflects a broader governance deficit and indifference towards development priorities in the State.