Revise budget allocation for Shinri Lily Fest: TYCM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 09 2025: The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM), General Headquarters, has urged the Executive Committee of the 5th State Level Shirui Lily Festival 2025 and the authorities concerned to revise the approved budget allocation and incorporate provisions for the promotion of local entrepreneurs, farmers, indigenous products, and disability-inclusive events.

In a detailed representation submitted to the Chief Secretary of Manipur on May 6, the TYCM urged immediate revision of the Rs.6.30 crore allocation approved during the Executive Committee Meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh on April 24, 2025, to ensure the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities and facilitate the immediate construction of essential additional infrastructure at Shirui Lily Peak.

The TYCM asserted that the Shirui Lily Festival organised annually with substantial investment by the State Government should not be reduced to a spectacle but serve as a catalyst for socio-economic development and promoting local entrepreneurship & eco-tourism, especially for the residents of the hill areas.

The council expressed dismay over the absence of any budgetary provisions for promoting local entrepreneurship or inclusion of persons with disabilities.

The council also pointed out that the current state of infrastructure along the 1.5 Km trail from Shirui Village to Shirui Peak is inadequate and requires urgent attention.

At present, there is only one rest house, a water tank, and two public toilets at the peak.

However, there are no public toilets or rest houses along the route, and the existing stair guard/path-way is in a dilapidated condition.

The TYCM called for immediate construction of an alternative route to ease congestion, along with additional public toilets and rest houses at key points between the village and the peak.

The TYCM also identified certain event items that appear to be over budgeted or unjustified, and therefore require revision and reduction.

They expressed concern over the allocation of Rs 2.83 crore on the SHiROCK music event, Rs 40 lakh on a drone show, Rs 20 lakh for a beauty pageant and Rs 20 lakh for a fireworks display.

The council also questioned the allocation of Rs 5.25 lakh for public transportation between Imphal and Ukhrul, stating that the Government has a fully functional Transport Department with its own fleet of buses and should handle such logistics without additional expense.

The council mentioned that the Rs 16 lakh allocated for security and traffic management is also unnecessary, as these responsibilities fall within the normal duties of the Police and Traffic Departments, both of which are already salaried through public funds.

The TYCM urged the State Government and festival organisers to revisit the planning process and include Langdang village, being a crucial gateway to Shirui peak and other tourist spots, in the budgetary allocations.

The TYCM also recommended Phangrei (zero point) for festival-related development and providing support for roadside shops, temporary amenities, and other facilities within Langdang village's jurisdiction.

Furthermore, the TYCM appealed to the authorities to mend differences and work towards a more inclusive celebration that reflects the spirit of unity and cooperation.

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