Union Minister for Development of the North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M Scindia chaired the third review meeting on Manipur’s development roadmap on Wednesday, focusing on sustainable growth, improved connectivity, and greater self-reliance across key sectors.
The meeting, attended by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, senior officials from the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (MDoNER), and the Manipur government, assessed the progress of ongoing projects and explored new initiatives aligned with the national Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Scindia highlighted plans to revive polo as a key component of Manipur’s cultural identity, aiming to position the state once again as India’s ‘Polo Capital’. The initiative includes establishing modern coaching centres and institutions to promote both traditional and international polo, linking the sport with tourism, youth engagement, and rural enterprise.
The minister also reviewed schemes to strengthen Manipur’s handloom and handicraft sectors. Plans include setting up 250 mini and 200 mega production units and expanding support for Self-Help Groups. These initiatives, Scindia said, would help artisans and weaving communities preserve traditional skills while boosting local entrepreneurship and livelihoods.
The review also covered infrastructure and industrial projects, including the proposed Integrated Textile Park with an Institute of Technology and Design to promote innovation and skill development. Scindia called for linking the state’s Vibrant Villages to the PM Gati Shakti framework to improve logistics, rural tourism, and last-mile connectivity.
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In agriculture, he set a target of expanding palm oil cultivation to 10,000 hectares over the next four years to promote agri-based livelihoods and private investment. Officials were directed to expedite work on industrial and logistics infrastructure to unlock Manipur’s economic potential.
Scindia urged all departments to ensure timely execution and outcome-based progress. He reiterated that MDoNER would continue to act as a proactive facilitator for inclusive and sustainable growth in the state.
The meeting built upon earlier reviews held this year, which focused on tourism, handloom, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation projects, including Loktak Lake rejuvenation. Scindia said the government remains committed to making Manipur a model of heritage-led, community-driven development in the Northeast.
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