New Delhi, August 7 (H.S): The Lok Sabha has passed the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Manipur Budget on Thursday to enable the Manipur government to collect GST. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that this bill will replace the ordinance brought due to President's Rule in the state. She mentioned that these bills amend the Manipur Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.

The Lok Sabha has also approved the Manipur Appropriation (Number 2) Bill, 2025. This bill authorizes the payment and appropriation of certain amounts from the consolidated fund of Manipur for the services of the financial year 2025-26. During the discussion on this, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the Government of India will provide an additional budgetary allocation of ₹2,898 crores, of which ₹1,667 crores will be for capital expenditure. The Finance Minister remarked that additional funds are necessary for the betterment and development of the state.

While presenting this bill, she informed the house that ₹523 crores will be allocated for the rehabilitation of people living in camps. ₹542 crores have been earmarked to strengthen security arrangements in Manipur. She criticized the opposition for disrupting the proceedings, stating that the opposition is shedding crocodile tears for Manipur and preventing discussions on the budget in the house. The Lok Sabha passed both bills without discussion amidst opposition uproar.

Earlier, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. While presenting this bill, she informed the house that its purpose is to further amend the Manipur Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. She also provided an explanatory statement highlighting the reasons for the immediate implementation of the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.

The Finance Minister mentioned that this is a constitutional requirement. If this bill is not passed, the state will face difficulties in implementing the long-approved GST amendments by the GST council, affecting revenue. Sitharaman stated that the Manipur GST Amendment Bill is crucial for the state's service, so it can collect GST on goods approved by the GST council. Sitharaman noted that this bill will replace the ordinance brought due to the President's Rule in the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar