"No proposal received for release of 2nd instalment under SASCI scheme"
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 10 2026: The Centre has said that no proposal has been received from the Manipur Government for the release of the second instalment of the financial package allocated to the State under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure/Investment (SASCI) scheme during 2025-26 .

The clarification was made by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary in a written reply to Lok Sabha unstarred question raised by Prof Angomcha Bimol Akoijam on the formulation of any special financial package for Manipur amid the prolonged humanitarian and economic crisis.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the additional Rs 700 crore allocation was meant for 105 projects in Manipur during 2025-26.Of this, Rs 310.66 crore was released to the State as the first instalment.

However, the Centre said, no proposal had been received from Manipur for release of the second instalment of the additional allocation.

The Centre also stated that the SASCI scheme has been continued in the current financial year with an enhanced overall allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore.

A special component under the scheme, named "Pride of Hills," has also been introduced for 2026-27, with Rs 25,000 crore allocated to address the special needs of hill States.

Of this, Rs 2,400 crore has been earmarked for Manipur, over and above funds available to the State under the United Part (Part-I) and other components of SASCI .

The Ministry said the Centre has released a total of Rs 3,869.74 crore to Manipur under SASCI from 2020-21 to August 5, 2026 .

The year-wise releases are:
2020-21: Rs 317.16 crore
2021-22: Rs 212.85 crore
2022-23: Rs 467.22 crore
2023-24: Rs 542.70 crore
2024-25: Rs 1,436.82 crore
2025-26: Rs 871.55 crore
2026-27 (up to Aug 5): Rs 21.44 crore

The Ministry further said the Government of India provides financial resources to States through Finance Commission-recommended grants, Central Sector Schemes, Centrally Sponsored Schemes and additional Central assistance for externally aided projects.

It added that assessment of the financial condition and requirements of States is undertaken by the Finance Commission every five years.

The 16th Finance Commission has continued 41 per cent tax devolution to States, effectively maintaining the level of the 15th Finance Commission after adjustments.

Comment