Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh announces special financial assistance for women street vendors before Ningol Chakouba 2026, while the state government plans Rs 10,000 aid for 3,00,050 families affected by the prolonged ethnic crisis and economic disruptions.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday announced that the state government will introduce a special financial assistance scheme for women street vendors before the Ningol Chakouba 2026 festival, aiming to support women dependent on daily earnings to meet their families’ regular needs.
Addressing a gathering during the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan at the Indian National Army (INA) Martyr’s Memorial Complex Hall in Moirang, Bishnupur district, the Chief Minister said the proposed assistance would provide support to women street vendors facing livelihood challenges. He also urged women vendors who have not yet registered under the initiative to complete their registration through their respective Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
Ningol Chakouba is a traditional Meitei community festival that celebrates and strengthens the bond between married women and their paternal families. The announcement of financial assistance ahead of the festival is expected to provide additional support to women street vendors who rely on daily income for their households.
The Chief Minister also spoke extensively about the economic and social impact of the ethnic crisis that has affected Manipur since 2023. According to Khemchand Singh, the prolonged crisis has had a significant adverse impact on the state’s economy and government revenue.
He said frequent shutdowns and blockades have caused substantial losses in Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue. The Chief Minister stated that such disruptions have resulted in an estimated loss of around Rs 25 crore to Rs 30 crore per day in tax revenue to the state government.
Khemchand Singh appealed to all sections of society to resolve differences through dialogue and avoid agitations that disrupt normal day-to-day activities. He stressed the importance of collective efforts to restore stability and improve the economic situation in the state.
Recalling his recent visit to Jiribam district, the Chief Minister said that the trust deficit between different communities following the crisis had been substantially reduced. He said communities in the area were now living together in peace and harmony.
However, he expressed deep anguish over the tragic incident at Tronglaobi, which occurred shortly after his visit to Jiribam and resulted in the deaths of two minor children. Khemchand Singh said certain vested interests continued to work against efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and normalcy in Manipur.
The Chief Minister also informed the gathering that public transport services along National Highway-2, connecting Imphal with Guwahati through Dimapur in Nagaland, had resumed. He said members of the public were actively using the restored transport service.
Khemchand Singh further called for greater engagement between communities across the state. He said merely expressing concern for Manipur from the Valley without engaging with people in the hills would not be sufficient. He encouraged people to visit the hill areas and interact with different communities.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Manipur is home to 36 different communities, all of which have contributed to safeguarding the state’s integrity. He called upon people to preserve unity and work collectively in the larger interest of Manipur.
Addressing the economic difficulties faced by families dependent on daily wages, Khemchand Singh said the state government had decided to provide Rs 10,000 each to around 3,00,050 families. The decision followed discussions during the recently concluded eighth session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly.
He said the required budgetary provision had already been earmarked for implementing the financial assistance. The measure is aimed at providing relief to families whose livelihoods have been severely affected by the prolonged crisis and economic disruptions.
During the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan programme, the Chief Minister also distributed benefits under various government schemes to eligible beneficiaries from Bishnupur district. He later visited and interacted with people at more than 25 service counters and stalls, where different government departments and institutions showcased their schemes and services.
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The month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan is being observed across the country to mark 25 years of public service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to promote the principles of public service and good governance.
Khemchand Singh urged people across Manipur to set aside differences and make concerted efforts to preserve the state’s unity and integrity, while continuing to work towards peace, normalcy and economic recovery.
