CM announces assists for journalists on 52nd foundation day of AMWJU
Pension for retired scribes to be hiked to Rs 10,000
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 16 2026: Acknowledging the contributions of journalists, Chief Minister Khemchand today announced that the monthly journalist pension would be increased from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000, while the family pension would be enhanced from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000 .

Attending the 52nd foundation day of the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) at Manipur Press Club today, the Chief Minister said that many journalists were unable to make their contributions to the DIPR Journalist Pension Scheme during the conflict and annunced that for those who could not make their contributions, a one-time relaxation would be provided to reactivate their pension accounts.

CM announces assists for journalists on 52nd foundation day of AMWJU

The Chief Minister said the proposals would be placed before the Cabinet for consideration at the earliest.

He also informed that advertisement bills amounting to around Rs 1 crore had been disbursed.

A follow-up meeting with all Heads of Departments has been scheduled for September 25 to further deliberate on the issue, he said.

He said the Government would clear the pending advertisement bills at the earliest, after assessing the amount due and the amount already cleared.

The Chief Minister further said that the prolonged conflict in the State has resulted in a decline of more than Rs 1,200 crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue between 2023 and 2026, putting considerable pressure on the economy.

The Chief Minister further appealed to all civil society organisations (CSOs) not to resort to bandhs and blockades, stating that the collateral impact of such actions has significantly affected economic activities, academic atmosphere and development.

He called for collective efforts to create an environment conducive to economic recovery and development.

On the occasion, he also paid floral tributes at the AMWJU memorial stone in remembrance of journalists who have passed away.

Speaking as the guest of honour, Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) president Khogendra Khomdram said the Government has been extending assistance to journalists and that such support continues under the leadership of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh as well.

Stating that media houses face several challenges in publishing news, he added that a significant amount of advertisement bills remain unpaid by various Government departments.

He urged the Government to release the pending advertisement bills at the earliest.

Saying that several newspapers in Manipur are gradually facing closure, Khogendra urged the Government to support these newspapers through a language policy.

As part of the programme, simple gifts were presented to former office bearers of AMWJU .

The programme was attended by MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha, Secretary (IPR) Neeta Arambam, Director (IPR) Dr Th Charanjeet Singh, Editors' Guild Manipur president Khogenra Khomdram, AMWJU president Asem Bhakta, officials, journalists and members of the AMWJU, among others.