Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, today graced the 19th Foundation Day Celebration of the Manipur State Commission for Women held at the Sangai Conference Hall, Hotel Imphal, North AOC. The event was also attended by Ms. Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang, Chairperson of the Commission, and Robert Singh Kshetrimayum, Secretary (Social Welfare), Government of Manipur.
The Governor inspected stalls set up by women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), appreciating their products and entrepreneurial spirit. He later released a bilingual journal titled “Vision for Women, Volume VI” and commended the Commission’s 19 years of dedicated service in safeguarding women’s rights and advancing empowerment across the state.
In his address, Governor Bhalla highlighted the historic significance of establishing the Manipur State Commission for Women in 2006 to ensure dignity, safety, and equal opportunities for women. He praised the Commission’s continuous efforts in spreading awareness, addressing grievances, and advocating women’s rights with relevant authorities.
He emphasized that women’s empowerment has been central to India’s development journey under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing flagship programmes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, PM Ujjwala Yojana, PM Mudra Yojana, Mission Shakti, and Lakhpati Didi. He also mentioned the adoption of the Central Government’s Childcare Leave (CCL) policy in the state, which grants eligible women employees—and single male employees—up to 730 days of paid leave during their service.
Referring to the historic Ima Keithel, the Governor lauded Manipuri women’s legacy of economic leadership and noted that the recent inauguration of four new Ima Keithels by the Prime Minister would further boost women’s participation in the economy.
Concluding his speech, the Governor urged the people of Manipur to pledge towards building safe and empowering spaces for women in every town, village, and workplace. He called for collective efforts to create a state where opportunities transcend gender and where every citizen can dream, aspire, and achieve.
