Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s view of the Northeast as India’s “Growth Engine” and ‘Ashtalakshmi’, highlighting the importance of accelerated development in curbing insurgency and instability in the state.
During a meeting with NITI Aayog and Chief Ministers of eight Northeastern states, Singh urged NITI Aayog to play a crucial role in Manipur’s economic recovery and long-term development, citing the region’s significant challenges in recent years.
Singh specifically sought NITI Aayog’s assistance in economic planning, infrastructure development, and international partnerships to boost Manipur’s growth and connectivity, emphasizing the need for major investments in projects like railway connections, highways, and airport expansions.
The Chief Minister proposed the establishment of specialized units within NITI Aayog to fast-track critical infrastructure projects, address cross-border challenges, and enhance medical facilities in Manipur to attract patients from Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar.
Singh also highlighted the need for a fiscal incentive framework to support infrastructure projects facing security issues, and suggested a Terrain-Weighted Cost Index Matrix to offset geographical challenges in fund distribution, aiming to enhance Manipur’s fiscal capacity and reduce dependency on central grants.
