Imphal (Manipur) [India], September 22 (ANI): Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday emphasized that the state government’s doors remain open for dialogue to resolve any grievance, appealing to the public to shun bandhs and blockades that disproportionately hurt daily wage earners and economic activity.
According to a release, addressing a gathering at the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' programme organized by the Imphal West District Administration at Khoyathong Multipurpose Community Hall, the Chief Minister also revealed that the state has suffered an estimated revenue loss of around Rs 1,300 crore over the last three years following the unprecedented crisis that began on May 3, 2023.
"The unprecedented situation has caused a substantial setback to the state’s economy. During the financial year 2023-24 alone, Manipur suffered a loss of around Rs 475 crore in GST collection, contributing to an overall revenue hit of nearly Rs 1,300 crore across the last three years," Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said, as per the release.
Underlining the economic toll of strikes, the Chief Minister appealed to people to abandon the path of bandhs and blockades, urging them instead to approach their local MLAs and the government to address their concerns. "The government’s doors remain open for dialogue, and all problems can be resolved through discussion," he reiterated.
Citing Singapore’s transformation, the Chief Minister noted that the small island nation achieved remarkable economic prosperity because its diverse communities united under a shared national identity. He urged the people of Manipur to work together harmoniously, rebuild the economy, and contribute towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Viksit Bharat@2047'.
Referring to the recent deferment of the Census exercise in the state, the Chief Minister noted that the state government had conveyed the public's sentiments to the Centre, which subsequently deferred the exercise in view of local concerns and aspirations. He added that the central government had similarly accommodated the aspirations of Manipur's people by extending the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to the state in 2019.
Highlighting the purpose of the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan'—being observed nationwide from September 17 to October 17, 2026, to mark 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public service—Singh said the outreach will cover various Assembly constituencies to evaluate last-mile welfare delivery.
"Direct interaction with the public at the grassroots will help us identify gaps in scheme implementation and ensure eligible beneficiaries receive their due benefits without hurdles," he added.
During the event, the Chief Minister inspected over 30 stalls and service counters set up by various government departments and interacted with beneficiaries.
The event was attended by Thangmeiband MLA Khumukcham Joykisan Singh, Imphal West Deputy Commissioner Mayanglambam Rajkumar Singh, along with senior officials and local beneficiaries. (ANI)
Govt doors remain open for dialogue: Manipur CM calls for collective efforts towards economic development
