States / Manipur

Background

Manipur, the northeastern state of India is located in the easternmost part of the country. The state is surrounded by Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south, and Assam to the west. Manipur is primarily an agrarian economy and is known for its breathtaking scenic beauty.  The state also has the highest number of skilled and semi-skilled artisans in the entire region. Handlooms is the largest cottage industry in the state. According to the 2011 census, the state has a population of 28.56 lakhs out of which 29.21% live in the urban areas. Its literacy rate stands at 76.94%. Manipur comprises of 9 districts, 39 blocks and 2265 Gram Panchayats. Manipur State Rural Livelilhoods Mission (MSRLM) has been working in the area of institution building and financial inclusion since 2015. The Manipur Panchayati Raj Act 1994 was passed as per the 73rd Constitutional Amendment and the state follows a two tier structure. The state can be divided into two distinct parts - the hill area and the valley area. The hill area is governed by the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act, 1971 and is outside the purview of the 73rd Amendment Act. Whereas the valley area which comprises of only 10% of the states' population comes under the provisions of Panchayati Raj Act. 

Kudumbashree NRO is working with Manipur State Rural Livelilhoods Mission (MSRLM) for implementing the PRI-CBO convergence model in the state. 

PRI-CBO Convergence 

The MoU for partnership between Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission and Kudumbashree- National Resource Organisation was signed in December 2017. The project was implemented in 12 Gram Panchayats in Keirao-Bitra Block, Imphal-East District and 44 Villages in Machi Block, Tengnoupal District. 

Scoping studies were conducted in the month of August 2017.  Field level activities were conducted in the month of February 2018 only. Village Level Federation (VLF) and SHG level orientation were the first set of activities conducted on field followed by orientation to the interested candidates from the VLFs and SHGs on the roles and responsibilities of LRGs in the project. A two day each extensive block level selection process was conducted in both blocks for the selection of Local Resource Group (LRG) members. During the initial interaction and discussion, the team found the need and demand for strengthening and enhancement of existing livelihoods activities from the community was the main concern. Taking the above suggestion, livelihood-based mapping activity was undertaken up in both the blocks as the initial entry point activity for the convergence project in the State followed by regular core activities of PAE, EAP and GPDP. Mentors and LRGs play a pivotal role in steering the project in the state. 

The project plans to saturate the remaining 13 Gram Panchayats in Keirao-Bitra Block and 22 Villages in Machi Block, Tengnoupal District. The saturation will be carried out by the Internal Mentors after selection. Expansion to a new block consisting of 17 Gram Panchayat in Sawombung Block, Imphal-East district has been also proposed.

Project status in Manipur as of June 2020