New Delhi | Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi, seeking enhanced central financial assistance to help the state address its fiscal challenges.

During the meeting, Khemchand Singh briefed the Union minister on the state government’s efforts to maintain fiscal discipline and strengthen financial management. He highlighted the timely disbursement of salaries and pensions to government employees on the first working day of every month.

The chief minister also discussed the progress of Externally Aided Projects (EAPs), the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and other ongoing development initiatives in Manipur.

Drawing attention to revenue losses suffered by the state over the past three years, Khemchand Singh urged the Centre to extend additional financial support to help Manipur overcome its current fiscal difficulties. He also sought increased funding under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme.

According to an official statement, Sitharaman responded positively to the requests and assured the chief minister of all possible assistance from the Centre to improve the state’s financial position.

The meeting comes as Manipur seeks additional resources to sustain government expenditure and continue development projects amid its financial constraints.

During the interaction, Khemchand Singh presented Sitharaman with a traditional Lengyan and a painting depicting Radha and Krishna.