Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday met Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman at her office in Kartavya Bhawan, New Delhi and discussed the state’s overall financial health and sought enhanced central assistance.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister apprised the Union Finance Minister about the State Government’s ongoing efforts to maintain financial discipline and improve fiscal management. He highlighted that the State Government has successfully ensured the timely payment of salaries and pensions to its employees on the first working day of every month. Khemchand Singh discussed the progress of Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the State and briefed the Finance Minister on the effective implementation of various Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and other developmental projects.
Highlighting the revenue losses suffered by Manipur over the last three years, the Chief Minister urged the Finance Minister for Central support to help the State tide over the current financial crisis. He also requested additional funding under the SASCI (Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment) scheme.
The Union Finance Minister gave a positive response to the Chief Minister’s requests. She assured that the Centre will extend all possible help and support to the State Government to improve Manipur’s financial health.
During the meeting, Yumnam Khemchand Singh presented a traditional Lengyan and a painting of Radha Krishna to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.