IMPHAL, Sept 16: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday announced a proposed increase in the monthly pension for journalists from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 and the family pension from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000.
Khemchand made the announcement while attending the 52nd Foundation Day celebration of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal. He said the proposed hike was aimed at supporting the journalist community and acknowledged the role of journalists in society. The proposal will be placed before the state Cabinet for consideration.
The Chief Minister also announced a one-time relaxation for journalists who could not make contributions to the DIPR Journalist Pension Scheme during the prolonged conflict. Those whose pension accounts became inactive due to non-payment during the crisis would be allowed to reactivate their accounts, subject to Cabinet consideration.
Khemchand said Manipur’s GST revenue collection had declined by more than Rs 1,200 crore between 2023 and 2026, putting pressure on the state economy. He appealed to civil society organisations to avoid bandhs and blockades, saying such actions had adversely affected economic activity and development.
He called for collective efforts to create an environment conducive to economic recovery and development.
The foundation day programme began with floral tributes at the journalists’ memorial pillar, while former AMWJU executive members were felicitated. MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha, Secretary (IPR) Neeta Arambam, Director (IPR) Dr Th Charanjeet Singh, Editors’ Guild Manipur president Khogenra Khomdram and AMWJU president Asem Bhakta Singh, among others, attended the event.
