Scindia visits Manipur, assesses devpt projects in conflict-hit state

Guwahati: Union minister for communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, conducted a thorough assessment of ongoing key projects in the conflict-affected Manipur during a review meeting with Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal on Thursday.

He committed to advancing Manipur's development through international trade infrastructure despite challenging conditions.

The minister highlighted essential development areas requiring focus, encompassing handicrafts and handloom, sports, tourism, international trade, agriculture (particularly palm oil cultivation), logistics, and national highways development. He directed officials to accelerate major infrastructure projects, including universities, Manipur IT-SEZ, a mental health facility, and a maternal and child care hospital.

"Progress for Manipur! Chaired a comprehensive review meeting with Hon'ble Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla ji, @MDoNER_India officials, and senior officials from the Manipur State Govt. Assessed ongoing development schemes under @MDoNER_India and explored ways to further harness Manipur's unique strengths in tourism, sports, handloom, and infrastructure development. Also reviewed the state's comparative and competitive advantages to identify areas where Manipur can lead with innovation," Scindia wrote on his ‘X' handle after the meeting.

He gave assurance regarding the DoNER ministry's position as an active contributor to creating fresh opportunities and enhancing state development.

Scindia also led a high-level task force meeting on sports for the northeastern region. Alongside physically present Bhalla, Mizoram CM Lalduhoma, Nagaland deputy CM TR Zeliang, and Meghalaya govt officials joined through video conference.

The discussion focused on increasing women's involvement in sports, identifying rural talent, and using sports as a development tool and growth catalyst for the region. "The states shared best practices, addressed key challenges, and committed to unlocking the region's full potential to make North East India a premier ‘sports hub'," he said.

The attendees examined various programmes for developing the region's sports sector. Scindia specified priority areas including talent identification, training & coaching, establishing coaching centres, encouraging public-private partnerships, infrastructure development, and enhanced focus on women in sports.