Bandh and blockade costs Rs 2,616.23 crores per day
Source: IT News

Imphal, April 09 2017: The State has been losing Rs 1672.9 crore per day on every bandh or general strike and Rs 943.33 crore per day on every economic blockade, according to social researcher Serto Tondana Kom.

Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul, Imphal, Serto Tondana Kom said that he conducted the survey in consultation with many experts to evaluate the economic losses suffered by the State on account of the frequent bandhs and blockades.

According to the Census reports of 1991, 2001 and 2011, the total population of Manipur was 18 lakhs, 22 lakhs and 28 lakhs respectively.

The decadal population growth rate varies from 4.56 lakh to 5.61 lakh and the average annual growth rate is 61,475 per year.

Calculated at this rate, the total population of Manipur is expected to reach more than 31 lakh by 2016.Out of them, around 15 lakh constitute the working population.

The lowest rate of daily wage fixed by the Ministry of Labour is Rs 280.According to data received from the Intelligence wing of Manipur Police, there were 116 days of bandh or general strike in 2016 and there were 11 days of bandh or general strike till March of this year.

There were 103 days of economic blockade in 2016 and 76 days of economic blockade till March of this year, Serto said.

As per the projected per capita income of Manipur in the year 2016 � 2017, the totel amount is Rs 67,207, a total for all sector of primary, secondary and tertiary sector.

With the impact of bandh and general strike on the economic of the state and quantified, the state loss per capita income for all sector with combine of the daily wages of Rs 280 is Rs 13,18 Crores per day.

According to the Manipur IGP (Intelligence) report, when calculated at this rate, the State lost Rs 1,528 crores in 2016 due to the bandh and general strike of 116 days and Rs 144.9 crore in 2017 till March, due to the 11 days of bandh and general strike.

The total loss of economy due to bandh and general strike during 2016 and till March of 2017, the State lost Rs 1,672.9 Crores, Serto elaborated.

There were 103 days of economic blockade in 2016 and 76 days of economic blockade till March of this year.

Quoting the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union general secretary M Anil Meitei, Serto said that around 360 trucks have been shipping in goods per day to the State.

Assuming that the State's per capita income is Rs 67,207 in 2016-17 till March, it was found that the State lost Rs 943.33 Crores every day on account of economic blockade.

In total, the State lost Rs 542.81 crores in 2016 and another Rs 400.52 crore this year till March, on account of economic blockade.

Therefore, the total loss from 2016 to 2017 till March due to Bandh and general strike and Economic blockade is Rs 2,616.23 crores, Serto said.

Although the negative impacts of bandhs and blockades on the economy of Manipur are understood by most people, many organisations and individuals have been using bandhs and blockades as effective tools for exerting pressure on the Government.

Out of the total 365 days, 224 days were affected by bandhs and blockades in 2010, Serto continued.

What is more disturbing is the State's failure to respond immediately when some organisations call bandh or blockade.

As such, bandhs and blockades have become a chronic issue in the State.

If the survey report can open eyes of a few people, all the efforts invested to compile the report would be considered fruitful, Serto Tondana Kom who hails from Hermontlang village, Samulamlan Block, Churachandpur district.

Serto Tondana Kom had already published another survey report which said that the people of Manipur lost Rs 35 crore on account of taking other routes when the new Sanjenthong bridge was under construction.

In regards to the economic loss of the state due to the bandhs and blockade, the survey report will be submitted to Chief Minister of Manipur and other department concern.

Comment