Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh has expressed optimism regarding the Rs 2400 crore allocation for Manipur under the “Pride of Hills” component of the Special Assistance to States for Capital Improvement (SASCI) for the fiscal year 2026-27. In a social media announcement, he conveyed deep appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for this initiative, highlighting its significance in addressing the unique developmental challenges faced by the North Eastern region. Khemchand emphasized that the financial allocation will alleviate fiscal constraints and spur inclusive growth and infrastructure development across the state.
He pointed out that the Hill States of India confront distinct financial challenges due to difficult terrain, low population density, and limited capacity for revenue generation, leading to a higher dependency on governmental financial support. These states often record weaker fiscal indicators, such as elevated Debt-to-Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) ratios and an inadequate Own Tax Revenue (OTR) base. To drive development further, Khemchand stated that there is an urgent requirement for enhanced capital expenditure investments and additional financial backing to fulfill committed liabilities.
The “Pride of Hills” component specifically aims to provide further financial outlay, supplementing the existing SASCI framework for the 2026-27 fiscal year. A total of Rs 25,000 crore has been allocated to the Hill States under this program, with Manipur receiving a noteworthy Rs 2400 crore, an investment that Khemchand believes will be key to fostering sustainable progress in the region.
