The Manipur Cabinet has approved a pension hike for retired journalists and a one-time relaxation for subscribers who failed to make payments under the state’s journalist pension scheme. The decision came during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday, October 1.
The government will raise the monthly pension for retired journalists from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000. It will also increase the family pension for families of deceased journalists from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000.
The Cabinet also considered a one-time measure to help subscribers who defaulted on pension contributions retain their membership. The move aims to address difficulties faced by journalists during the prolonged conflict in Manipur.
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Cabinet Approves Higher Pension for Retired Journalists
The Cabinet approved the pension enhancement under the Manipur Working Journalists’ Pension Rules, 1996.
Under the revised proposal, retired journalists will receive Rs 10,000 per month instead of the existing Rs 8,000. The family pension for eligible families of deceased journalists will rise from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000 per month.
The government will amend the relevant rules to implement the revised rates.
Officials said the pension rates last underwent revision in 2020. The government cited rising living costs as a reason for increasing the monthly assistance.
The revised pension structure will benefit journalists who receive support under the state scheme, along with eligible family pension beneficiaries. <Cite refs={[“turn804163search2″,”turn804163search4”]}/>
One-Time Relaxation for Payment Defaulters
The Cabinet also considered a one-time relaxation for subscribers who could not make their required contributions.
The proposal seeks to help eligible journalists reactivate their pension accounts and retain membership under the scheme.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh had earlier announced the proposed relaxation during the 52nd foundation day celebration of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) in September.
At that event, he acknowledged the difficulties journalists faced during the state’s prolonged conflict. He said the government would consider a one-time opportunity for those who had missed contributions.
The Cabinet’s approval now advances the proposal towards implementation. The government will need to complete the necessary procedural steps under the pension rules. <Cite refs={[“turn804163search1″,”turn804163search3”]}/>
Annual Pension Expenditure to Increase
The pension hike will increase the government’s annual financial commitment.
Manipur currently has 20 beneficiaries in the retired journalist pension category and another 20 in the family pension category.
According to the Cabinet decision, the annual requirement will rise from Rs 31.20 lakh to Rs 40.80 lakh after the revision.
The additional expenditure will support the enhanced monthly payments. The government has also approved amendments to the relevant pension rules to give effect to the revised amounts. <Cite refs={[“turn804163search2″,”turn804163search4”]}/>
Cabinet Takes Other Welfare Decisions
The October 1 Cabinet meeting also approved several measures beyond journalist welfare.
The government cleared one-time financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each for the next of kin of 49 people who remain missing since the violence that began on May 3, 2023.
The total expenditure for this assistance will amount to Rs 4.90 crore. The state will meet the cost from its own funds.
The Cabinet also approved higher ex-gratia compensation for Army and Central Armed Police Forces personnel killed or injured while operating in Manipur during extremist violence or related actions.
Under the revised rates, families will receive Rs 10 lakh in case of death. The government has set compensation at Rs 2 lakh for permanent disability, Rs 1 lakh for grievous injuries and Rs 20,000 for simple injuries.
The earlier rates stood at Rs 2 lakh for death and Rs 10,000 for injuries. The government said those rates dated back to 2006 and no longer reflected present circumstances. <Cite refs={[“turn804163search0″,”turn804163search2”]}/>
Fifth State Finance Commission Gets Approval
The Cabinet also approved the constitution of the Fifth Manipur State Finance Commission for 2026-27 to 2030-31.
The commission will review the financial position of Panchayats and Municipalities. It will recommend how the state should share taxes and grants-in-aid with Panchayats, Autonomous District Councils and Municipalities.
The Constitution provides for State Finance Commissions under Articles 243-I and 243-Y. These commissions review local-body finances and recommend financial arrangements at regular intervals.
The Fourth Finance Commission’s award period will continue until the government notifies the action taken report of the Fifth Commission. <Cite refs={[“turn804163search2″,”turn804163search4”]}/>
Government Focuses on Journalist Welfare
The pension revision and proposed relief for defaulters form part of the state government’s efforts to support journalists facing financial difficulties.
The one-time relaxation could help eligible subscribers restore their pension membership after missed payments. The higher monthly pension will also provide additional financial support to retired journalists and families receiving benefits.
The latest Cabinet decisions now require the relevant departments to carry out the necessary rule amendments and administrative procedures.
The pension increase marks a significant change in the state’s journalist welfare scheme, while the one-time relief proposal addresses the contribution difficulties that emerged during Manipur’s prolonged period of conflict.