Manipur Cabinet approves empowerment scheme for 3.5 lakh women

The Manipur Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, has approved the ‘Women Empowerment (WE) – Manipur’ scheme. The initiative is designed to benefit 3.5 lakh women who are members of recognized Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the state. Under the program, eligible beneficiaries will receive a grant of Rs 10,000 in the first year, followed by access to interest-free loans in the second and third years.

In addition to the empowerment scheme, the Cabinet gave in-principle approval to the Manipur Police Special Recruitment Scheme for Meritorious Sportspersons, 2026. This scheme aims to utilize the existing 5% reservation for sportspersons in Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ posts within the Manipur Police. It will focus on disciplines with medal-winning potential, such as weightlifting, boxing, hockey, and archery. A High-Level Assessment Committee led by the Chief Secretary will be formed to oversee recruitment and discipline-specific requirements.

The Cabinet also approved several legislative measures, including amendments to the Manipur Goods and Services Tax Bill, the Manipur Town and Country Planning Act, and the Indian Stamp (Manipur Amendment) Bill, 2026. Furthermore, the Draft Manipur Public Services Delivery Guarantee Rule, 2026, was approved to enhance transparency and efficiency in public service through digital tracking and monitoring.