Amid loud protests and intense opposition sloganeering, the Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Manipur Budget for 2025–26, approving a total expenditure of ₹30,969.44 crore. The budget includes allocations already presented in March, amounting to ₹35,103.90 crore. Despite the uproar, the budget and the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, were cleared by voice vote.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget under Article 356, which allows Parliament to legislate on behalf of a state under President’s Rule. Defending the move, she said it was a “constitutional necessity” and appealed to members to prioritise constructive debate over disruption.
The session was marked by repeated interruptions from the Opposition benches. BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, presiding over the House, called for order multiple times and cautioned members against raising matters currently under judicial consideration. “Are you here only to disrupt proceedings from day one?” he asked, referring to references to the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls in Bihar, which is pending before the Supreme Court.
The Manipur Budget includes an additional central allocation of ₹2,898 crore, comprising ₹1,667 crore for capital expenditure and ₹1,231 crore for revenue expenditure. Presenting the financial roadmap, Sitharaman highlighted key provisions aimed at stabilising Manipur’s conflict-hit economy and addressing the fallout of ethnic violence and displacement.
Key Budget Highlights:
₹523 crore for rehabilitation of internally displaced persons
₹542 crore for strengthening security infrastructure
₹500 crore for the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces
₹633 crore to repay high-interest public sector loans
₹700 crore for capital infusion into critical sectors
Slamming the Opposition, Sitharaman said she was “surprised” by their objections to funding for a state in crisis, particularly from parties that had earlier voiced concern over Manipur’s situation. “Those who shed ghariyali aansoo (crocodile tears) for Manipur are now denying it the funds essential for recovery,” she remarked.
She also introduced a Bill to authorise payments from the Consolidated Fund of the State of Manipur for the 2025–26 financial year, which was taken up along with discussions and voting on the Demands for Grants before the House was adjourned for the day.
As the northeastern state continues to grapple with instability and ethnic tensions, the Finance Minister underscored that the budget represents a critical step towards restoring governance, rebuilding infrastructure, and rebuilding public confidence in Manipur.
