Manipur’s Development Gains Momentum Despite Challenges, Says CM N Biren Singh
Imphal: Manipur is steadily advancing on its development journey despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing crises, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said today.
Speaking at 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, the Chief Minister highlighted the state’s remarkable strides in various sectors.
Addressing the audience as the chief guest, CM Singh emphasized the state’s progress in agriculture, horticulture, and entrepreneurship. He particularly praised the Start-Up Scheme, launched in 2018, for its transformative impact on employment.
The initiative has generated significant opportunities, benefiting unemployed youth and over 300 internally displaced persons (IDPs). Products developed by scheme beneficiaries have reached markets in other states and countries, showcasing Manipur’s entrepreneurial potential on a global stage.
Manipur has also emerged as a frontrunner among northeastern states in MSME business registration. According to the Ministry of MSME’s 2018-19 report, the state registered 12,458 MSMEs, with women entrepreneurs constituting the majority. “Though Manipur represents only 0.2% of India’s population, its contribution to the MSME sector is 0.3%, a commendable achievement,” the Chief Minister remarked. He urged citizens to actively contribute to the state’s economic progress.
Encouraging a shift towards entrepreneurship over government jobs, CM Singh highlighted the benefits of the Credit Guarantee Scheme, under which ₹700 crore has been allocated. However, only ₹200 crore has been utilized due to limited applications. He also urged families to capitalize on the One Family One Livelihood Scheme to drive sustainable economic growth. To further support entrepreneurs, he proposed organizing buyer-seller meets to enhance market access for local producers.
The Chief Minister elaborated on the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization (UNNATI)-2024 scheme, which aims to strengthen the industrial ecosystem in the northeastern region. For Manipur, ₹334 crore has been allocated, with an additional ₹4,100 crore available regionally to attract investments and foster industrial growth. The scheme is poised to significantly boost entrepreneurship in the state.
CM Singh concluded his address by calling on the people of Manipur to leverage government schemes to their fullest potential and contribute to the state’s progress. “With adequate effort and collaboration, Manipur can achieve new heights of development and prosperity,” he said.
The event underscored the government’s commitment to fostering industrial growth, promoting self-reliance, and ensuring inclusive development, marking another step forward in Manipur’s journey toward economic transformation.
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