Manipur Cabinet has decided to request the State Election Commission to reschedule Panchayat elections due to delays in the delimitation process caused by the ongoing crisis and displacement.
Imphal, June 26: The Manipur Cabinet has decided to request the State Election Commission to reschedule the 6th General Panchayat Election after reviewing difficulties in completing the Panchayat Samiti delimitation process due to the continuing law and order situation and displacement of people in the state.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held on Friday evening at the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Mantripukhri under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and Minister K.H. Loken attended the meeting in person, while Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen participated through video conferencing.
According to information shared after the meeting, the Cabinet discussed around 10 listed and unlisted agenda items, all of which received approval.
One of the key issues before the Cabinet was the conduct of the 6th General Panchayat Election. The meeting revisited its earlier decision taken on June 15 to hold the election on October 1 this year.
During the deliberations, reports submitted by Deputy Commissioners of the valley districts were examined. The reports stated that the ongoing crisis has forced many residents to leave their homes and live in relief camps or other temporary locations, creating complications in finalising the newly revised Panchayat Samiti delimitation.
The Cabinet noted that the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons and the changing ground situation have made it difficult to complete the delimitation exercise within the earlier timeline.
In view of these circumstances, the Cabinet resolved to reverse its June 15 decision regarding the proposed election schedule.
It was decided that Deputy Commissioners of the valley districts would submit detailed action plans and timelines by July 15 after assessing the prevailing ground situation and the progress of the delimitation exercise.
Based on these reports, the government will formally request the State Election Commission to announce a fresh date for the Panchayat elections only after the delimitation process has been completed.
The Cabinet also approved the Manipur Right to Business and Investment Facilitation Ordinance, 2026. The ordinance will be promulgated under Article 213 of the Constitution of India. According to the Cabinet, the legislation is intended to simplify business procedures and promote trade and investment in the state.
Another significant decision was the approval for recruitment to 75 posts under the Department of Art and Culture.
The approved vacancies cover a wide range of technical, administrative and support positions. These include Assistant Curator, Librarian, Junior Lecturer (Vocal and Tabla), Caretaker, Guide Lecturer, Electrician, Lower Division Clerk, Driver, Demonstrator, Surveyor, Photographer, Laboratory Assistant, Binder, Counter Attendant, Grade-IV staff, Chowkidar, Sweeper, Peon, Book Man, Gallery Attendant, Gatekeeper, Monument Attendant and Dusting Bearer.
The Cabinet's decisions come as the government continues to address administrative and developmental issues while dealing with the impact of the prolonged crisis in Manipur.
