Imphal: The Paomee Welfare Foundation, a trust of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union, paid out Rs 2 lakh in medical aid this week. The money covered the first phase of the 2026-27 financial assistance scheme. Officials held a cheque distribution ceremony at the Manipur Press Club on Monday. Chairperson N. Tombiraj and Secretary Borun Thokchom attended the event alongside other executives.
The foundation reviewed six applications for Phase I, which spanned medical costs from April 1 to September 30, 2026. They approved five requests and rejected one. The board turned away Impact TV’s Maibam Sonali Devi because her father-in-law did not meet the definition of an immediate family member. She did not qualify. The remaining five beneficiaries split the funds.
Late Okram Homendro Singh from Poknapham and Late G. Naocha Sharma from Imphal Times each received Rs 50,000. ISTV’s Jessia Oinam got Rs 28,000 for a submucous fibroid. Yensenbam Rajesh Singh of The Sangai Express picked up Rs 26,000 for kidney disease, while Soubam Bukuljaoba Meitei landed Rs 26,000 for diabetes and hyponatremia. The foundation also reimbursed the union Rs 20,000 for prior emergency assistance provided to Singh and Sharma.
The trust maintains an Rs 80 lakh corpus in a State Bank of India fixed deposit. Its interest payments fund these payouts. Since the scheme began in 2017, it has helped retired and active union members. Applications for Phase II are now open. This round covers expenses from October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. PWF secretary Borun Thokchom said, "Eligible AMWJU members are invited to submit applications for Phase II covering medical expenses incurred from October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027."
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