Our Correspondent
Imphal, Nov. 25 (EMN): Manipur bagged the most improved state for inclusive development award among smaller states in the country.
The award was received by the state’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh from the India Today Group in the recently concluded ‘State of the States Conclave 2019’ that was conducted in New Delhi.
Informing about this during the inauguration of the seven-day Manipur Sangai festival in Imphal on Sunday, the chief minister thanked the council of ministers, legislators, government officials and stakeholders for the achievement. He said there is rapid economic growth and development.
Stating that the annual state revenue has crossed INR 1,000 crore while the gross state domestic product growth rate has touched 8%, he observed that there will be growth and development only when there is peace in the region.
Citing the annual report of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME), Singh said Manipur alone has 12,438 MSME businesses, the highest in the north-eastern region during the period from 2015 to 2019.
Manipur also topped the list of MSME business registration among the north-eastern states. 50% of the businesses in the state are owned by women.
Informing that the gathering was attended by envoys representing South Asian countries, he said the government has identified and recommended the Bunning meadow in Tamenglong district and Tengnoupal hill station, to include among the proposed tourist circuits in the north-eastern region.
The Imphal International Airport also will be expanded soon at the cost of INR 600 crore ,he informed.
The chairman of Tourism Corporation Manipur Limited Dr. Sapam Ranjan said that the objective of the Sangai festival is to showcase the various tourism attractions and products of Manipur to domestic and international markets and boost tourism.
He said tourism is a sector through which unemployment and economic issues can be resolved.
