Guwahati, Oct 30: Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Thursday chaired the third high-level review meeting on Manipur’s development roadmap, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to accelerating growth, infrastructure, and livelihood generation in the state.
The meeting held in the presence of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and senior officials from both the MDoNER and the Manipur government reviewed ongoing projects and laid out new initiatives to align the state’s progress with the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the revival of Manipur Polo—a sport deeply rooted in the state’s history. Scindia announced plans to re-establish Manipur as India’s Polo Capital by developing world-class coaching facilities, training institutions, and international-level infrastructure.
The initiative aims to blend heritage with opportunity—promoting sports-linked tourism, creating jobs for local youth, and projecting Manipur’s cultural identity on the global stage. “Manipur’s legacy as the birthplace of modern polo will be leveraged to build a new economic and cultural narrative,” Scindia said.
Focusing on traditional strengths, Scindia unveiled plans to bolster the handloom and handicraft sectors through the creation of 250 mini and 200 mega production units. The scheme will support Self-Help Groups and local entrepreneurs to expand markets, enhance design innovation, and generate sustainable livelihoods.
“These initiatives will not only preserve Manipur’s distinctive craft traditions but also turn them into engines of rural enterprise and women-led economic growth,” Scindia noted.
The review also covered key infrastructure and industrial priorities, including the establishment of an Integrated Textile Park with an Institute of Technology and Design to nurture innovation and skills. Scindia stressed the integration of Vibrant Villages with the PM Gati Shakti framework to enhance rural connectivity, tourism, and logistics efficiency.
In the agricultural sector, the Minister reviewed the state’s palm oil cultivation programme, setting a target of 10,000 hectares over four years to strengthen agri-based livelihoods and local self-reliance. He urged officials to fast-track industrial and logistics infrastructure to attract private investment and unlock Manipur’s economic potential.
Emphasizing accountability, Scindia directed departments to focus on accelerated, outcome-based progress across all sectors. He assured that MDoNER would act as a “proactive facilitator” ensuring that Manipur’s development remains inclusive, sustainable, and people-centric.
“Through these successive reviews, we are establishing a model of purpose, partnership, and progress. Manipur—with its rich heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and community strength—is fast emerging as a beacon of self-reliance and growth under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” Scindia said.
