The Manipur government on Friday, 29 May announced a sweeping set of fuel conservation and cost-cutting measures, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to states and citizens to adopt prudent practices amid prevailing global challenges. The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at the Civil Secretariat in Mantripukhri, Imphal.

Key Fuel and Expenditure Measures

A senior official from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said the Cabinet resolved to implement several steps outlined in the Prime Minister's appeal. These include reducing the size of VIP convoys following a security review, initiating official work-from-home arrangements, imposing a freeze on government-funded foreign travel, and curbing non-essential government expenditure. The measures signal a direct alignment of state policy with the Centre's conservation directive.

Health Sector Boost: 173 ANM Posts Approved

In a separate but significant decision, the Cabinet approved the filling of 173 posts of Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM) in the Family Welfare Department, to be funded by the Central government. The Cabinet also approved a two-year age relaxation for all future recruitments yet to be notified by various state government departments, widening the pool of eligible candidates.

Infrastructure and Connectivity Decisions

The Cabinet cleared compensation rates for land acquisition linked to the expansion of the Imphal-Jiribam and Imphal-Dimapur national highways. According to officials, the move is expected to accelerate implementation and ensure timely completion of the highway projects, which are considered critical for the state's connectivity and overall development. The Cabinet also approved rationalisation of posts under the Manipur State Power Company Limited (MSPCL) to improve promotional avenues for employees — a step the official described as reflecting 'the state government's commitment to employee welfare and administrative efficiency.'

Water Supply and Tourism Projects Cleared

The Cabinet approved an extension of the Manipur Water Supply Project, a critical infrastructure scheme funded by the New Development Bank (NDB). It also cleared the Tourism Department's proposal to implement the 'Loktak Experience Project', aimed at developing Loktak Lake as an iconic tourist destination — a move that could boost both local livelihoods and the state's profile in India's northeast tourism circuit.

Broader Context

The decisions come as the Centre has urged states to adopt fiscal discipline amid global economic uncertainty. Manipur, which has faced prolonged internal tensions over the past two years, is simultaneously managing law-and-order pressures and development imperatives. This Cabinet session signals an attempt to balance administrative efficiency with welfare commitments. The highway and water supply approvals, in particular, are expected to have long-term developmental impact for a state that has historically struggled with connectivity gaps.