Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday, 30 May emphasised that the state's progress depends on the collective advancement of all 36 communities living across both the hill and valley regions. Addressing a special interactive session with post-matric scholarship (ST) student beneficiaries in Imphal, he stressed that lasting peace, unity, and development are achievable only when every community is equally empowered and benefits from government initiatives.

Key Developments at the Session

The event was organised by the Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills under the Janjatiya Garima Utsav 2026 initiative, as part of the 'Birsa Lives in New Bharat' Week. Chief Minister Singh underscored that development is only possible in a peaceful and conducive environment, noting that students and daily wage earners are among those hardest hit during periods of ethnic unrest. He appealed to students to actively contribute to building harmony and understanding across communities.

Scholarship Delays and Government Response

Singh acknowledged reports that some students had not received their scholarship payments for the past 4 months. He clarified that the funds had already been released and attributed delays in certain cases to Aadhaar and bank account linkage issues. The Chief Minister directed officials to resolve these issues at the earliest to ensure uninterrupted delivery of benefits to intended beneficiaries.

Students from the Kuki-Zo tribe, residents of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts, participated virtually and raised concerns about timely disbursement, implementation gaps, and stipend support. Singh assured them the government would review and address the concerns raised.

What the Deputy CM Said

Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, who holds the Tribal Affairs and Hills portfolio, addressed the gathering via video conferencing. She described the Post-Matric Scholarship scheme as more than financial aid — calling it a critical support system enabling students to pursue their aspirations. Kipgen urged students to use education not just for personal advancement but as a tool for community development. She noted that observing the programme during the 'Birsa Lives in New Bharat' Week lent the event deeper significance, with the life and ideals of Birsa Munda continuing to inspire dignity and social commitment.

Background and Broader Context

Manipur has witnessed prolonged ethnic tensions between communities in its hill and valley regions, making Singh's emphasis on inclusive development particularly significant. The Post-Matric Scholarship scheme, which the government says aims to promote equality and uplift all communities, has been a focal point for tribal welfare. This comes amid continued efforts by the state administration to rebuild trust and restore normalcy across affected districts.

The session was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Tribal Affairs and Hills) Vivek Kumar Dewangan, Director of Tribal Affairs and Hills/TRI Rangnamei Rang Peter, departmental officials, scholarship beneficiaries, and invited guests. The government's next steps on addressing student grievances and scholarship disbursement gaps will be closely watched.