Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Manipur is missing out on 600 crore rupees in federal grants. The state failed to hold Panchayat elections since the terms of local representatives expired in October 2022. Ksh Umananda, the Director of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, confirmed the 15th Finance Commission cash remains locked away. It stays that way until the state installs new, elected local bodies.
District and Gram Panchayat levels currently operate under administrative committees. The department already sent proposals and activity plans to the Finance Department. Officials remain hopeful for future payouts. "Manipur will receive its share of PRI funds once elected local bodies are established," Umananda stated. The 16th Finance Commission began its term in April 2026.
The state continues training for staff despite the leadership gap. The State Institute of Rural Development oversaw 350 training sessions for 14,440 people. These workshops cost 2.8 crore rupees and focus on Gram Sabha meetings and development plans. Another one crore proposal sits in the queue for approval. Officials also opened an Extension Training Centre in Lamphel. Last year, the department spent 66.80 lakh rupees on 81 additional training programs.
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