Bengal MP demands special package for Manipur
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 19 2025: In a fiery speech in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, AITC MP Sushmita Dev of West Bengal took the central government to task over its handling of Manipur's crisis, calling the budgetary allocations for the state inadequate and a "missed opportunity" to send a strong message of support.

Sushmita accused the government of failing to address the economic losses suffered by the state and called for a special package to aid Manipur's recovery.

Sushmita, while debating the supplementary grants and appropriation bills, highlighted the grim reality in Manipur, stating, "Manipur is burning, and I appeal to the honourable Finance Minister of India that, madam, today what we expected for our neighbouring state...we don't want a run-of-the-mill budget" .

Bengal MP demands special package for Manipur

She asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a golden opportunity to vindicate himself by offering a substantial package for the troubled state, but instead, the budget fell short of expectations.

The MP criticised the government's decision to allocate Rs 500 crore under the contingency fund, questioning the relevance of the amount when the state has suffered massive economic and infrastructural damage.

"Contingency fund is for unforeseen circumstances or situations which the assembly has not approved," she argued, urging the finance minister to reconsider the allocations.

A major concern raised by Sushmita was the impact of internet shutdowns in Manipur, which, she noted, lasted for 212 days - 5,088 hours out of the total 7,812 hours of internet disconnection nationwide.

Citing independent reports and NGOs, she estimated the total loss to India due to internet shutdowns at $585.4 million, with Manipur accounting for 60 per cent of the loss.

"Let us make an estimate of what the loss is," she remarked, condemning the severe economic and educational setbacks caused by the shutdown.

Sushmita acknowledged that funds had been allocated for the PM-SHRI scheme - Rs 750 crore - but pointed out that the initiative relies on digital platforms for implementation, highlighting the contradiction in allocating educational funds while the lack of internet access has already disrupted students' ability to receive money transfers and access e-commerce.

Turning to the blockade of National Highways 2 and 37, which lasted 66 days, she lamented that contrary to the loss estimated at Rs 1,700 crore, only Rs 250 crore had been allocated.

She also expressed concern over health-related budgetary allocations, stating that despite Rs 514 crore being allocated under the NHM, Manipur had reported the highest average out-of-pocket expenditure for institutional childbirth.

Sushmita also criticised the Modi government's "double engine" rhetoric, arguing that it had failed to deliver meaningful benefits for states like Manipur.

She accused the government of undermining federalism and using financial allocations as a tool for political coercion.

"Double engine is a debauchery of federalism...an insult to our constitution and our electorates," she said, adding that even BJP-ruled states had suffered from unfair cess and surcharge practices that deprived them of funds.

Sushmita also raised the issue of governance in Manipur, contending that the state had been left without effective leadership.

She pointed out that there was no full-time Governor for an extended period, with administrative instability further deepening the crisis.

Citing Article 174 of the Constitution, she pointed out that Manipur had been left without an assembly session for more than the permitted six-month gap, calling the situation unconstitutional.

She also criticised the imposition of President's Rule in the state, claiming it was not to protect Manipur but to shield the BJP from political embarrassment, save the party and the Prime Minister.

Sushmita urged the Finance Minister to take a non-partisan approach and send Manipur a much-needed financial package.

"With folded hands, I'm telling you, send them the right message, and I'm sure the people of Manipur will unite again," she said, reminding the House that the state had fought insurgency for decades and emerged stronger.