A significant financial assistance initiative was rolled out in Manipur on Thursday, providing much-needed support to small-scale and unorganized food processing businesses across the state. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh distributed subsidies and financial aid to a total of 2,835 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises scheme, commonly known as the PMFME scheme. This structured financial backing is designed to help local enterprises upgrade their operational capacities, expand their business footprint, and successfully transition into the formal economic sector.
Event Details and Distribution Method
The distribution event took place at Yumnam Leikai Yumjao Lairembi Lampak in Imphal, coinciding with celebrations marking the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the programme, physical cheques were handed over directly to a select group of attendees on stage. Meanwhile, the remaining beneficiaries received their entitled subsidy amounts seamlessly through Direct Benefit Transfer straight into their respective registered bank accounts.
Support for Self-Help Groups
Under the framework of this assistance rollout, individual members belonging to various self-help groups actively engaged in food processing activities were disbursed Rs 5,000 each as their initial instalment. These self-help groups had formally submitted their applications for assistance under the scheme over a multi-year period spanning between 2022 and 2024. State authorities noted that the required funds had already been released by the central government, after which the Area Level Federation finalized the modalities for distributing the assistance among eligible applicants.
Praising Leadership and Emphasizing Unity
Addressing the gathering of citizens and officials, Yumnam Khemchand Singh paid rich tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting his relentless dedication and a remarkable 25-year tenure of public service carried out without taking a single day of rest. Transitioning to the ground realities of the state, the Chief Minister drew attention to Manipur's current situation and made a passionate plea for communal harmony, urging residents to foster mutual cooperation.
Call to End Disruptions and Restore Normalcy
Emphasizing the importance of civic stability, the Chief Minister strongly urged citizens to refrain from resorting to disruptive actions such as general strikes, bandhs, and highway blockades. He observed that the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding bridging different communities were steadily strengthening once again. Concluding his address, he called for a united, collective resolve to overcome past differences and restore lasting peace and normalcy throughout the state.
