Manipur: Rs 600 Crore Panchayat Funds Withheld Over Delay in Local Body Elections
Imphal, August 16: Around Rs 600 crore allocated to Manipur under the 15th Finance Commission remains pending as the state has not conducted Panchayat elections since the tenure of the previous elected local bodies ended in October 2022.
Director of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RD&PR) Ksh Umananda said the funds meant for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) could not be released in the absence of elected local bodies.
Panchayat Elections Not Held Since 2022
The tenure of the previous Panchayati Raj Institution representatives ended in October 2022. However, fresh elections have not been conducted since then.
As a result, approximately Rs 600 crore under the 15th Finance Commission remains pending for Manipur.
The funds are linked to the functioning of elected local bodies and are intended to support development and basic infrastructure at the grassroots level.
16th Finance Commission Also Linked to Elected Bodies
The 16th Finance Commission began its tenure in April 2026.
According to the RD&PR department, Manipur will receive its share of Panchayati Raj funds once elected local bodies are established through the required electoral process.
The continued absence of elected Panchayat representatives has therefore become an important issue for the state’s rural development and local governance system.
Administrative Committees Currently Running Local Bodies
In the absence of elected representatives, administrative committees are currently functioning at the district and Gram Panchayat levels.
These committees are handling local administrative responsibilities until elected Panchayati Raj bodies are constituted.
The RD&PR department has also submitted proposals and activity plans to the Finance Department in connection with rural development and Panchayati Raj activities.
Training for Panchayati Raj Functionaries Continues
Despite the absence of elected PRI representatives, the department has continued efforts to strengthen institutional capacity through training programmes.
Training is being conducted through workshops, seminars and structured training modules, based on guidelines issued by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
The programmes cover important areas such as:
- Gram Sabha meetings
- Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP)
- Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)
- Local-level planning and governance
- Panchayati Raj administration
14,440 Trainees Covered Under 350 Programmes
The department has conducted around 350 training programmes through the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD).
These programmes have covered approximately 14,440 trainees, with an expenditure of around Rs 2.8 crore.
The department has also submitted another proposal worth approximately Rs 1 crore, which is currently awaiting approval.
Extension Training Centre Established at Lamphel
To expand the state’s capacity for Panchayati Raj-related training, an Extension Training Centre has been established at Lamphel.
The centre is expected to support additional training activities and strengthen the institutional capacity of personnel involved in rural development and local governance.
During 2025-26, a recurring grant of Rs 66.80 lakh was utilised for conducting 81 training programmes.
Pending Funds Raise Concerns for Rural Development
The withholding of around Rs 600 crore comes at a time when rural areas require continued investment in infrastructure, basic services and local development.
Panchayat-level institutions play an important role in implementing grassroots development programmes, preparing local development plans and identifying community-level priorities.
The absence of elected bodies for several years has therefore created both a governance gap and a financial challenge for the state.
Panchayat Polls Remain Key to Unlocking Funds
With the 15th Finance Commission funds still pending and the 16th Finance Commission now in place, the holding of Panchayat elections is likely to remain a major issue for Manipur’s rural administration.
The establishment of elected local bodies would not only restore the regular Panchayati Raj structure but could also enable the state to access funds linked to elected PRIs.
For thousands of rural residents, the issue extends beyond elections and government funding, as Panchayats are directly connected with local development planning and delivery of public services.
Disclaimer: The figures and details in this report are based on the information provided regarding the statement of RD&PR Director Ksh Umananda. The exact timing of Panchayat elections and release of pending funds remains subject to government decisions and applicable Finance Commission requirements.
