Manipur celebrates Ningol Chakouba

**Brother receiving blessing from sister in Ningol Chakouba –** **Photo : Linda Laishram**

Pothashang News Service

Imphal, October 20: Ningol Chakouba festivals which strengthen the bond between brothers and sisters was organized across the state at different levels with love and grandeur.

Married women were invited to their parental home and lunch together served with various sumptuous cuisines. The sisters and daughters were presented gifts and shower blessings for good health and prosperity. The younger brothers seek blessings from their elder sisters.

On the eve of Ningol Chakouba, chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh announced a new scheme “CMgi Laiyeng Shen” under the MOBC department for all the widows belonging to the under privileged sections of society. Under this new scheme each widow will receive an amount up to Rs 15,000 as reimbursement towards medical expenses every year. All the widows belonging to the minorities, other backward classes and schedule castes will be covered under the new scheme.

Biren Singh said, the new scheme is a small gift from the new government to the beloved sisters and mothers of the State on the occasion of first Ningol Chakouba after the formation of new government.

He said his government has also initiated the process for a health insurance scheme for all the widows belonging to minorities, OBC and SC of the State.

The chief minister also assured to the people that the new women’s markets in the hill districts which are under construction will be dedicated and inaugurated in January, 2018 as New Year gift to mothers and sisters of hill districts.

Works minister Thongam Biswajit Singh said, Manipur is a place where several communities reside together, and development is possible only if there is peace.

The minister was present at the 24th Eikhoigi Iche-Ichalsingbu Ningshingba Numit “Ningol Chak-Kouba” at the Iboyaima Sumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, jointly organised by the All Manipur Ethnical Socio-Cultural Organisation , Naat Kanba Lup, Manipur State Shumang Leela Council and All Manipur Arts and Culture Students’Union.

More than 20 different communities attended at the function. The minister wished them joy and happiness and presented gifts.