The meeting of the State Cabinet of Manipur on Thursday has agreed and approved to increase the ex-gratia for Army/CAPF personnel, ex-gratia to families of 49 missing persons in connection with the violence since 3 May 2023, approved to constitute the Fifth Manipur State Finance Commission for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31 and higher pension for retired journalist.
The State Cabinet of Manipur, at its meeting held today, took up the following agenda items:
1. Higher ex-gratia for Army/CAPF personnel
The Cabinet approved a proposal of the Home Department to enhance the ex-gratia payable to Army and CAPF personnel killed or injured in extremist violence or actions while operating in Manipur. The present rates of ₹2 lakh for death and ₹10,000 for injury were fixed in 2006 and have become inadequate. Under the proposal, the rates will be brought on par with those of State Police personnel: ₹10 lakh for death, ₹2 lakh for permanent disability, ₹1 lakh for grievous injury and 20,000 for simple injury. Army/CAPF personnel work jointly with the State Police and face similar risks. The expenditure will be borne by the State Government.
2. Ex-gratia to families of 49 missing persons
The Cabinet approved a Home Department proposal to pay ₹10 lakh each, as a one-time special humanitarian measure, to the next of kin of 49 persons reported missing in connection with the violence since 3 May 2023. These persons remain untraced despite sustained search efforts. By law, a missing person is presumed dead only after seven years, and documents such as death certificates and post-mortem reports required under the Central scheme are not available. The families have suffered hardship comparable to that of families of deceased victims, who were paid ₹10 lakh each. The total cost of ₹4.90 crore will be met from State funds.
3. Constitution of the Fifth State Finance Commission
The Cabinet approved a Finance Department proposal to constitute the Fifth Manipur State Finance Commission for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31. Under Articles 243-1 and 243-Y of the Constitution, a State Finance Commission is to be constituted every five years to review the finances of Panchayats and Municipalities. The Commission will have a Chairman and other members who have experience in public affairs, among others, and a Secretary. It will recommend the sharing of State taxes and grants-in-aid with Panchayats, Autonomous District Councils and Municipalities. The award period of the Fourth Commission will continue until the Fifth Commission’s action taken report is notified.
4. Higher pension for retired journalists
The Cabinet approved a proposal of the Information and Public Relations Department to enhance pension under the Manipur Working Journalists’ Pension Rules, 1996. The monthly pension for retired journalists will be raised from ₹8,000 to ₹10,000, and the family pension for families of deceased journalists from ₹5,000 to ₹7,000. The rates were last revised in 2020 and no longer match the present cost of living. Rules will be amended for this purpose. With 20 beneficiaries in each category, the annual requirement will rise from ₹31.20 lakh to ₹40.80 lakh.
