Manipur "Chief Minister Women Economic Empowerment Scheme" (CMWEES)

The Chief Minister of Manipur, Yumnum Khemchand announced the Chief Minister Women Economic Empowerment Scheme (CMWEES) on 9 March 2026 while presenting the Budget Estimates for the Financial Year 2026–27 during the Seventh Session of the Twelfth Manipur Legislative Assembly. The scheme seeks to economically empower women through the Self-Help Group (SHG) movement and is expected to benefit approximately 3.5 lakh women across the State.

The Chief Minister stated that the scheme is designed to strengthen women-led SHGs, promote financial independence, and enhance sustainable livelihood opportunities for women. Financial assistance will be extended to eligible beneficiaries over a period of three years. During the first year, each eligible woman will receive ₹10,000 through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). To support the implementation of the scheme, the State Government has earmarked ₹350 crore in the 2026–27 Budget.

Reassessing the Suspension of Operations (SoO) with Kuki Armed Groups (Presentation)

The Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Government of India, the Government of Manipur, and Kuki armed organisations has functioned as a conflict-management framework rather than a conflict-resolution mechanism. While it reduced insurgent violence and created a dialogue platform, it has not produced a final political settlement after nearly two decades.

The post-2023 ethnic conflict has further strained the legitimacy and functionality of the SoO. A strategic reset is required to move from ceasefire maintenance → structured political settlement.