In a major humanitarian initiative, the Manipur government has cleared a special one-time financial relief package of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of 49 individuals who have been missing since ethnic strife erupted in the state on May 3, 2023. The official decision directly addresses the severe distress of families whose relatives remain untraced despite ongoing, extensive search operations conducted across various regions over the months.
Parity with Deceased Victims in Humanitarian Relief
The measure received formal approval during a state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday. Acting on a proposal submitted by the Home Department, the administration recognized the acute and prolonged hardship experienced by the dependents of the untraced citizens. The state had earlier distributed financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of each person killed in the unrest. Extending the identical sum to the kin of the 49 missing individuals will involve an aggregate expenditure of Rs 4.90 crore, which will be financed entirely through state funds.
Substantial Hike in Ex-Gratia for Armed Forces and CAPF
The Cabinet also sanctioned a significant upward revision in the ex-gratia compensation granted to personnel of the Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) who suffer casualties or injuries during counter-extremist operations and violent clashes within the state. Acknowledging that military and paramilitary forces operate in close coordination with the state police and face comparable operational hazards, the government committed to bearing the full financial liability of this compensation.
Under the revised compensation structure, the ex-gratia for supreme sacrifice has been elevated to Rs 10 lakh. In cases involving permanent disability, personnel will receive Rs 2 lakh, while compensation for grievous injuries has been set at Rs 1 lakh. Personnel sustaining simple injuries will be granted Rs 20,000. These revised payouts replace the outdated financial compensation rates established back in 2006, which offered merely Rs 2 lakh in the event of death and Rs 10,000 for injuries.
Fifth State Finance Commission and Journalist Pensions
In addition to relief and security welfare, the Cabinet authorized the constitution of the Fifth Manipur State Finance Commission for the five-year term covering 2026-27 to 2030-31. The newly sanctioned statutory panel will comprise a chairman, a designated secretary, and members possessing recognized background and experience in public affairs.
Further, the state government approved a pension enhancement for media professionals. The monthly retirement pension for accredited retired journalists has been increased from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000. Alongside this, the monthly family pension entitlement for eligible surviving dependents has been revised upwards from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000.
