Congress attacks Manipur govt over Rs 8,927 crore unspent funds cited in CAG report

The Manipur Congress has questioned the state government's financial management, citing the latest Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report to flag the non-utilisation of Rs 8,927.55 crore from the total budgeted amount of Rs 37,392.66 crore in 2024-25.

Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan in Imphal on Saturday, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader K Meghachandra raised concerns over low capital expenditure, incomplete projects, gaps in Central assistance and the state's rising debt burden.

The CAG's State Finances Audit Report for 2024-25 was tabled in the Manipur Assembly on September 11. Meghachandra said the findings pointed to weaknesses in financial planning and budget execution, particularly at a time when the state is dealing with an ongoing crisis and requires greater spending on rehabilitation, development and essential public services.23.88% OF BUDGETED AMOUNT REMAINED UNSPENT

Of the Rs 37,392.66 crore budget provision for 2024-25, Rs 8,927.55 crore remained unspent, amounting to an overall saving of 23.88 per cent, Meghachandra said, citing the CAG report.

He also highlighted the gap in capital expenditure. Against a capital budget of Rs 8,989.60 crore, the state spent Rs 2,704.23 crore, leaving around Rs 6,285 crore unspent.

“This is not merely about figures in government accounts. It is about whether public money allocated for development, infrastructure, health and welfare is being effectively utilised for the people,” he said.

Meghachandra also questioned the difference between the budgeted and actual Central assistance received by Manipur.

According to figures cited by him from the CAG report, Rs 16,015.85 crore was budgeted as grants-in-aid from the Centre, while actual receipts stood at Rs 5,473.21 crore. This represented a difference of about Rs 10,542.64 crore.

“Why could this government not utilise the funds which were our share?” he asked, demanding an explanation for the shortfall.

He said the figures needed to be considered alongside the state government's repeated assertions that lack of funds and dependence on Central assistance were constraining expenditure.BORROWINGS RISE, MOST USED TO REPAY OLD DEBT

The Congress leader also raised concerns over Manipur's borrowing pattern.

He said the state raised gross borrowings of Rs 11,599.08 crore in 2024-25. Of this, Rs 9,420.41 crore, or 81.22 per cent, went towards repayment of earlier principal.

According to figures cited by Meghachandra, Manipur's gross debt and other obligations increased from Rs 18,871.79 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 20,846.88 crore at the end of 2024-25. Interest payments during the year stood at Rs 1,022.23 crore.

He further cited a figure of Rs 32,590.57 crore for the state's total outstanding debt and liabilities as of March 31, 2026, based on the 2025-26 revised estimates.

“How long will the government continue to increase the state's debt and liabilities, and what is the plan to ensure sustainable public finances?” he asked.138 PROJECTS REMAIN INCOMPLETE

Meghachandra also flagged the number of incomplete projects in the state.

He said 138 projects remained incomplete despite Rs 473.53 crore already having been spent on them. He warned that delays could deprive people of the intended benefits of these projects.

“It is a serious matter. In a small state like Manipur, 138 projects remain incomplete. How is this happening?” he said.CONGRESS QUESTIONS SAVINGS UNDER DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Another issue raised by Meghachandra was the amount saved under Relief and Disaster Management.

He referred to savings of Rs 229.94 crore under the grant in 2024-25 and said substantial savings had also been recorded under the same grant in previous years.

“The CAG is not an opposition party. It is the constitutional auditor of public money,” he said.

Meghachandra said the report raised questions about budget utilisation, financial planning and execution. He asked the government to explain why large amounts remained unspent, how it planned to manage the state's growing debt and how funds earmarked for development and public welfare would be utilised effectively.

“These are not merely questions of accounting. They are questions of financial accountability and accountability to the people of Manipur,” he said.- Ends