Manipur accelerates development amid challenges: CM Biren Singh

Manipur is advancing steadily on its development trajectory despite facing significant challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing crises, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said today. 

He was addressing a state-level workshop on the UNNATI and RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) schemes, organized by the Directorate of Trade, Commerce, and Industries at the City Convention Centre.

In his address as the chief guest, the Chief Minister highlighted the state’s progress in diverse sectors, including agriculture, horticulture, and entrepreneurship. He noted that the Start-Up Scheme, launched in 2018, has created substantial employment opportunities, benefiting unemployed youth and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Over 300 IDPs have secured jobs through the initiative. Products developed by beneficiaries of the scheme are now being exported to other states and countries.

Manipur has emerged as a leader among northeastern states in terms of MSME business registration. According to the 2018-19 report from the Ministry of MSME, the state registered 12,458 MSMEs, with women entrepreneurs comprising the majority.

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“Though Manipur constitutes only 0.2% of India’s total population, its contribution to the MSME sector stands at 0.3%, which is a remarkable achievement,” the Chief Minister stated. He encouraged citizens to contribute more actively to the state’s economic growth.

Urging the public to prioritize entrepreneurship over government jobs, the Chief Minister emphasized the benefits of the Credit Guarantee Scheme. Although the government has allocated Rs 700 crore under the scheme, only Rs 200 crore has been utilized due to limited applications. He also encouraged families to take advantage of the One Family One Livelihood Scheme to promote sustainable economic growth.

To enhance market access for entrepreneurs, he proposed organizing buyer-seller meets to connect local producers with potential buyers.

The Chief Minister also spoke about the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization (UNNATI)-2024 scheme, which aims to bolster the industrial ecosystem in the northeastern region and attract new investments. For Manipur, Rs 334 crore has been earmarked under the scheme, with an additional Rs 4100 crore available regionally. The initiative is expected to provide a significant boost to entrepreneurship and industrial growth.

The Chief Minister concluded by urging the people of Manipur to leverage government schemes effectively and contribute to the state’s economic development. “With adequate effort and collaboration, Manipur can achieve new heights of progress and prosperity,” he said.

The event underscored the government’s commitment to fostering industrial growth, promoting self-reliance, and ensuring inclusive development in the state.