Manipur journalists’ pension to be hiked

IMPHAL — The monthly pension for journalists in Manipur is set to increase from INR 8,000 to INR 10,000, while the family pension will rise from INR 5,000 to INR 7,000.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced the proposed hikes while addressing the 52nd foundation day celebration of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal on Wednesday.

He said the proposals would be placed before the Cabinet for consideration.

The chief minister also announced a one-time relaxation for journalists who were unable to make their contributions to the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Journalist Pension Scheme during the prolonged conflict in the state. The relaxation would allow them to reactivate their pension accounts, he said.

The Manipur journalists’ pension scheme was initiated following a charity event organised by AMWJU at the historic Mapal Kangjeibung in Imphal in 1996.

At present, more than two dozen individuals are receiving pension and family pension benefits, while more than 200 others are making monthly contributions under different age categories.

Khemchand Singh also said the prolonged conflict had contributed to a decline of more than INR 1,200 crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue between 2023 and 2026, putting considerable pressure on the state’s economy.

He appealed to civil society organisations to refrain from bandhs and blockades, saying such actions had affected economic activity and development in the state.