The imposition of President’s Rule (PR) in Manipur was expected to bring transparency, efficiency, and accountability. However, despite months under central administration, allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement continue to surface, with no signs of action from the authorities. Reports by Imphal Times have highlighted serious concerns regarding the Mega Food Park project and financial irregularities involving the Managing Director (MD) of Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL). These revelations point to massive fund misappropriation, yet the PR government has remained silent, failing to address the concerns of the public.
The Mega Food Park project, which was meant to revolutionize Manipur’s food processing industry, has instead become a symbol of bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption. Despite the allocation of substantial funds, there has been little to no progress on the ground. The public is left wondering where the money has gone and why those responsible for the project’s failure have not been held accountable. The government’s failure to act raises serious doubts about its commitment to tackling corruption, especially when a project of this scale, meant to empower farmers and small entrepreneurs, is riddled with financial irregularities.
Meanwhile, the power sector in Manipur continues to suffer despite large sums of public money being funneled into its development. Reports indicate that the MD of MSPDCL has been engaged in corrupt practices, awarding contracts without transparency and misusing funds intended for infrastructure improvements. Instead of addressing the chronic electricity crisis and modernizing the power grid, these funds have allegedly been diverted for personal gain. While the public endures frequent power outages and unreliable electricity supply, those in charge of fixing these problems appear to be engaged in financial misconduct. The PR government’s failure to investigate these claims only strengthens suspicions that corruption continues to thrive unchecked under its watch.
When President’s Rule was imposed, there was hope that it would bring governance free from political interference and corruption. However, the lack of action on these serious allegations suggests otherwise. If the PR government remains silent in the face of blatant corruption, does it not make itself complicit in the wrongdoing? The failure to investigate and take action reflects a systemic issue—one that continues to protect the powerful at the cost of public welfare. If those in power are not held accountable, what was the purpose of imposing President’s Rule in the first place?
The PR government must act immediately to restore public trust. A high-level independent investigation must be conducted into the Mega Food Park project and MSPDCL corruption case. Those found guilty must face legal consequences, including dismissal and prosecution. Furthermore, all government projects and financial transactions must be made public to ensure greater transparency and accountability. If the PR government refuses to act, it will send a clear message that even under central rule, corruption remains deeply entrenched in the system.
Manipur cannot afford to normalize corruption. The people deserve more than empty promises and administrative negligence. The Imphal Times reports have exposed the reality of financial mismanagement, and now it is up to the government to respond. Will the PR administration take swift action, or will it stand by as corruption continues to rob Manipur of its future? The answer will determine whether President’s Rule was a genuine effort to improve governance or just another failed experiment in administration.