Imphal: Imphal: Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh on Tuesday announced a new Economic Empowerment Scheme for Women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) while presenting the Manipur Budget 2026–27 in the State Assembly.
The scheme aims to benefit around 3.5 lakh women across the state by strengthening women-led SHGs and promoting financial independence. Under the programme, each beneficiary will receive ₹10,000 in the first year through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), with financial assistance continuing for three years. The government has earmarked ₹350 crore for the initiative.
Presenting the budget during the ongoing session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said the government remains focused on economic recovery, infrastructure development, and rehabilitation efforts following recent unrest.
A major allocation of ₹734 crore has been proposed for the rehabilitation and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), while ₹914 crore has been earmarked to strengthen road connectivity and maintenance across the state.
The Chief Minister also highlighted improving financial indicators, noting that the state’s own revenue is projected to rise from ₹2,087 crore in 2024–25 to ₹2,887 crore in 2026–27, marking a growth of over 38% in two years.
Additionally, the Government of India has provided a special package of ₹2,198 crore to assist Manipur in pre-paying high-interest loans, covering security-related expenditures, and supporting rehabilitation efforts.
For 2026–27, the state estimates total receipts of ₹32,339 crore and total expenditure of ₹30,356 crore, with the fiscal deficit projected at 2.07% of GSDP.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peace, rehabilitation, and inclusive development, with priority given to women’s entrepreneurship, youth employment, connectivity, tourism, drinking water supply, and infrastructure development across Manipur.
