The Manipur State Award for Literature 2024 was presented by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to three distinguished writers during an official ceremony at the Palace Auditorium of the Manipur State Film Development Society in Imphal. Organised by the Directorate of Language, Planning and Implementation, the event recognized literary contributions across diverse generational categories. The felicitation ceremony was delayed due to the socio-economic and security challenges in the state over the past few years. The awards include institutional cash prizes, ceremonial shawls, and citations aimed at supporting regional writers and preserving indigenous documentation.
Structural Classification of the Awards
Three-Tier Award System
The state government expanded its literary recognition framework by introducing two new categories alongside the traditional annual prize. This structural change ensures recognition for long-term literary dedication as well as encouragement for emerging young talent.
Award Categories and Financial Allocations
The 2024 ceremony honored three distinct writers based on their career milestones, specific publications, and age profiles:
| Name of the Award | 2024 Recipient | Associated Work / Field | Prize Details |
| Manipur State Lifetime Achievement Award for Literature | Kangjam Ibohal Singh (I.S. Kangjam) | Lifelong contribution to Manipuri literature | Citation, shawl, and ₹4 lakh cash prize |
| Manipur State Award for Literature | Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi | Poetry book titled ‘Thamamba Ahing’ | Citation, shawl, and ₹3 lakh cash prize |
| Manipur State Young Writer’s Award for Literature | Akoijam Jiten | Book titled ‘Khyum Nongdam Kao’ | Citation, shawl, and ₹1 lakh cash prize |
Institutional Framework and Language Policy
Nodal Administrative Agency
The evaluation, selection, and management of these prizes fall under the administrative control of the Directorate of Language, Planning and Implementation, Government of Manipur. This directorate works directly toward implementing constitutional provisions related to regional languages, developing classical parameters for the Meitei language, and assisting tribal scripts in peripheral districts.
Role in Cultural Preservation
The state literary awards act as an official mechanism to catalog regional history, folklore, and socio-political evolution. By institutionalizing financial rewards for Manipuri poetry, prose, and historical fiction, the state aims to build a modern library of indigenous texts that protects the linguistic identity of the region against global language assimilation.
IASPOINT Booster Facts for UPSC
- Historical Timeline: The Manipur State Award for Literature was established in 2008. The Lifetime Achievement Award and the Young Writer’s Award were introduced for the first time during the 2024 cycle to broaden the scope of state honors.
- Eighth Schedule Status: The Manipuri language (also known as Meitei or Meiteilon) was added to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India through the 71st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, alongside Konkani and Nepali.
- Linguistic Lineage: Meitei belongs to the Tibeto-Burman sub-family of the Sino-Tibetan language family. It is spoken predominantly in the Imphal Valley region and has its own ancient script known as Meitei Mayek.
- Sahitya Akademi Recognition: Apart from state-level awards, Manipuri literature is recognized nationally by the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, which presents annual awards for outstanding creative works published in the language.
- Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi’s Accolades: The 2024 recipient, Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi, is a celebrated voice in contemporary Manipuri poetry and has also been honored with national literary recognitions like the ‘Akashdeep Sanman’ for her contribution to Indian literature.