‘Silence on Manipur in budget said so many things’ Insignificance of Manipur rings loud : ERDO
|
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 25 : The recent Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has shown how insignificant the State of Manipur is to India, said Santa Nahakpam, secretary general, Economic and Research Development Organisation (ERDO).
Many have maintained that the Union Budget promises tax benefits, perks to farmers and employment to youths but in the case of Manipur, it has offered nothing, he said while addressing the media at Thangjing Hall of Manipur Press Club at Majorkhul today.
The Budget does not mention any initiatives to improve the economy of the State. Though Manipur has been hailed as the gateway to Southeast Asia in the context of Act East Policy, it has been completely ignored in the Budget, he added.
The Budget creates an impression that India wants to leave Manipur to its own fate in the middle of the protracted conflict.
He stated that the Budget has proven to be contrary to people's expectations. Adding that many expected some sort of package for the people owing to the 14-month old conflict, he said that it has dashed their hopes.
Highlighting the need to improve the economy of the State, he pointed out the significant reduction in buying power of the people. As a result, only around Rs 30 crore worth of business transactions are carried out across Imphal in a day.
He also addressed the grievous impact of the recent floods on the agricultural sector of the State. Many farms were inundated and widespread damages were reported from various sections. But the Union Budget failed to take this tragedy into account as well, he said.
Additionally, it does not mention any initiatives to improve the socio-economic condition of the tens of thousands of displaced people in relief camps and urged the State Government to discuss ways to revive the economy and increase revenue during the upcoming State Assembly session. Without increased focus on the deteriorating economy, the State's economic condition stands to suffer dire consequences in the future, he cautioned.
IMPHAL, Jul 25 : The recent Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has shown how insignificant the State of Manipur is to India, said Santa Nahakpam, secretary general, Economic and Research Development Organisation (ERDO).
Many have maintained that the Union Budget promises tax benefits, perks to farmers and employment to youths but in the case of Manipur, it has offered nothing, he said while addressing the media at Thangjing Hall of Manipur Press Club at Majorkhul today.
The Budget does not mention any initiatives to improve the economy of the State. Though Manipur has been hailed as the gateway to Southeast Asia in the context of Act East Policy, it has been completely ignored in the Budget, he added.
The Budget creates an impression that India wants to leave Manipur to its own fate in the middle of the protracted conflict.
He stated that the Budget has proven to be contrary to people's expectations. Adding that many expected some sort of package for the people owing to the 14-month old conflict, he said that it has dashed their hopes.
Highlighting the need to improve the economy of the State, he pointed out the significant reduction in buying power of the people. As a result, only around Rs 30 crore worth of business transactions are carried out across Imphal in a day.
He also addressed the grievous impact of the recent floods on the agricultural sector of the State. Many farms were inundated and widespread damages were reported from various sections. But the Union Budget failed to take this tragedy into account as well, he said.
Additionally, it does not mention any initiatives to improve the socio-economic condition of the tens of thousands of displaced people in relief camps and urged the State Government to discuss ways to revive the economy and increase revenue during the upcoming State Assembly session. Without increased focus on the deteriorating economy, the State's economic condition stands to suffer dire consequences in the future, he cautioned.