The Manipur government has decided to reduce the size of VIP convoys, introduce work-from-home arrangements, freeze government-funded foreign travel and curb non-essential expenditure in view of prevailing global challenges.

The decisions were taken during a cabinet meeting held on May 29 at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Mantripukhri, Imphal East district, according to an official statement.

The cabinet stated that the austerity measures were adopted in line with an appeal made by Narendra Modi.

Apart from the austerity measures, the cabinet approved the filling up of 173 Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM) posts under the Family Welfare Department with funding support from the Central government.

The state government also approved a two-year age relaxation for all recruitments yet to be notified by various government departments.
In another major decision, the cabinet approved compensation rates for land acquisition related to the expansion of the Imphal-Jiribam and Imphal-Dimapur National Highways. The government said the move would help accelerate implementation of the projects and benefit the state.

The cabinet further approved rationalisation of posts under the Manipur State Power Company Limited to improve promotional opportunities for employees.
It also approved the extension of the New Development Bank-funded Manipur Water Supply Project.

Additionally, the cabinet cleared the Tourism Department’s proposal for implementation of the “Loktak Experience Project” aimed at developing Loktak Lake into an iconic tourist destination.