Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia chaired the third review meeting on Manipur’s development roadmap, focusing on heritage revival, infrastructure growth, and self-reliance under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with new initiatives in sports tourism, handloom, agriculture, and industrial connectivity.
Union Minister for Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday chaired the third review meeting on Manipur’s development roadmap, emphasizing inclusive growth, faster execution of projects, and alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The high-level meeting, attended by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, senior DoNER officials, and representatives of the state government, evaluated the progress of ongoing developmental projects and identified new opportunities to unlock the state’s socio-economic potential.
Reviving Polo as a Global Heritage Symbol
A major highlight of the review meeting was the announcement of an ambitious initiative to revive Manipur Polo — the traditional sport believed to have originated in the state. Scindia described the plan as a blend of heritage preservation and global outreach.
“Manipur’s Polo legacy will be revived as a symbol of cultural pride and international recognition,” Scindia stated. Plans include the establishment of world-class coaching facilities and dedicated institutions to position Manipur once again as India’s Polo Capital.
This initiative aims to not only preserve heritage but also to boost sports-linked tourism, create livelihood opportunities for local youth, and strengthen cultural tourism as part of a broader sustainable development model.
Boosting Handloom, Handicrafts, and Local Enterprise
Scindia also reviewed ongoing efforts to rejuvenate Manipur’s traditional handloom and handicraft sectors, which serve as lifelines for thousands of artisans and weavers. The minister announced the creation of 250 mini and 200 mega production units, along with financial and logistical support for Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
“These measures will help preserve our rich craft heritage while generating sustainable employment,” Scindia said. The initiative aims to position Manipur as a hub for creative industries, strengthening rural entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment through locally driven economic models.
Additionally, Scindia unveiled plans to set up an Integrated Textile Park and an Institute of Technology and Design to foster innovation, skill development, and value addition within the textile ecosystem.
Infrastructure and Connectivity for Inclusive Growth
Another focus area of the review was improving infrastructure and connectivity, especially in remote regions. Scindia stressed the importance of integrating Vibrant Villages with the PM Gati Shakti framework, which will enhance rural tourism, logistics efficiency, and last-mile connectivity.
He urged officials to expedite road, logistics, and industrial infrastructure projects to attract greater private investment, noting that infrastructure remains the backbone of sustained growth in Manipur’s transition towards self-reliance.
Agriculture and Self-Reliance Initiatives
In the agricultural sector, Scindia reviewed the progress of palm oil cultivation, setting an ambitious target of 10,000 hectares over the next four years. This initiative seeks to promote agri-based livelihoods, reduce dependency on external markets, and enhance local self-reliance.
He reiterated that agri-linked industries and farmer cooperatives would receive technical and financial assistance under the broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat framework, creating opportunities for sustainable income generation.
Commitment to Outcome-Based Development
Reviewing the overall progress, Scindia emphasized faster execution and outcome-based performance across all sectors. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to act as a proactive facilitator, ensuring that Manipur’s development remains inclusive, sustainable, and people-centric.
“The Ministry of DoNER will continue to ensure that every initiative—whether in sports, craft, or infrastructure—translates into tangible benefits for the people of Manipur,” Scindia said.
This was the third review session on Manipur’s development strategy, building on two earlier meetings held this year. Through consistent monitoring, Scindia reiterated that Manipur’s strength lies in its cultural richness, entrepreneurial energy, and community spirit.
Under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, he said, Manipur is emerging as a beacon of resilience and growth, symbolizing how tradition and modernity can work together to define a sustainable future.
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The meeting marked another milestone in the Centre’s focused approach toward northeast development and regional integration. By combining heritage preservation, industrial advancement, and grassroots empowerment, the roadmap seeks to transform Manipur into a model of self-reliant and inclusive progress.
As Scindia concluded, “The vision for Manipur is not just about development—it’s about dignity, opportunity, and pride for every citizen.”
