Manipur on digital transformation path

Manipur is all set to have a Special Economic Zone( SEZ).

Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh today informed that the first building of Manipur IT SEZ will be ready soon and is expected to create employment opportunities for about 1,500-2,000 persons.

"The SEZ will play a crucial role in generating employment in the state and world class infrastructure will be provided to IT companies" he said.

Singh said this at the inaugural session of the Young Leaders Connect – 8 held today at the City Convention Centre, Palace Compound under the theme "Northeast India 2030: Towards India’s Innovative and Sustainable Growth" as Chief Patron of the Young Leaders Connect 2022.

The World Bank will be funding the Manipur Infotech enabled Development Project to increase internet access, improve the delivery of public services through digital channels, and promote digital skills and innovation.

The total cost of the project is $93.20 million of which the Bank will provide $46 million.

Manipur is looking for digital transformation of the state as an enabler of economic growth and inclusion, and of improved service delivery. It seeks to develop its digital economy within the context of the larger Digital India program and the Government of India's Digital North East Vision 2022.

"Digital inclusion, including access to the internet and digital literacy, are limited. The state lags in the use of digital technologies in public service delivery, due to limited development of core digital infrastructure and limited digital transformation of services. And there is limited development of the local digital innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, due to a lack of skilled workers and missing elements of the enabling environment including infrastructure, funding, and facilities" the Bank says.

He said Manipur Start-Up has transformed the entrepreneurship ecosystem. The State Government has extended various support and assistance to a total of 5,796 entrepreneurs for a total project cost of Rs. 110 crore, to provide ample room for growth of an entrepreneurship.

He further stated the need to discuss how to increase our contribution to the National GDP, which sector to be focused on, measures to increase the food grain production, to attract more tourists, and industries to be prioritized.

The Chief Minister mentioned that the North-East Region, which is strategically located as the land gateway of India to South-East Asia, is blessed with abundant natural resources, rich cultural heritage, skilled human resources, colorful tribes and tourist attractions. Stating that the region has the potential to be another growth engine for the country in the 21st century, he spoke on the need to meaningfully realize the region’s inherent potentials in different fields.

He further mentioned that with improved connectivity infrastructure in Manipur and improved law and order situation in the state, tourism and hospitality sector is also picking up, generating gainful employment opportunities.

Highlighting that the share of exports from the Northeast Region is abysmally low when compared to total exports from India, he was hopeful that such conclave would facilitate in streamlining bottlenecks leading to exponential rise in export numbers in the coming years. This would also be a stepping stone towards strengthening partnerships and forging sustainable collaborations in the region, he added.

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