Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar, holding charge of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and the Ministry of Education, completed a two-day review visit to Manipur on 18 September 2026, inspecting key infrastructure projects, meeting senior constitutional and administrative officials, and interacting directly with scheme beneficiaries. The visit signals renewed Central attention to timely project execution in a state navigating prolonged socio-political strain.

High-Level Meetings with Governor and Chief Minister

Minister Majumdar called on state Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh during the visit. Discussions focused on key developmental initiatives and ongoing projects in Manipur, with particular emphasis on strengthening inter-governmental coordination for their timely implementation, along with broader administrative matters concerning Manipur and the wider Northeast region.

Review Meeting at Civil Secretariat

Majumdar chaired a high-level review at the Main Conference Hall, Civil Secretariat, Mantripukhri, Imphal, attended by state Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur and Administrative Secretaries of various line departments. The meeting took stock of projects being implemented in Manipur under the MDoNER Ministry and the North Eastern Council (NEC), as well as investment initiatives in the state. The Minister called for closer coordination between the state government and the Ministry to ensure speedy and effective execution of ongoing schemes.

Seva Sankalp Abhiyan and Grassroots Outreach

On Thursday, Majumdar travelled to Andro in Imphal East district, where he attended the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan programme — themed 'Aashirwad Ka Diya' (Lamp of Blessings). He interacted with villagers, local representatives, and direct beneficiaries of MDoNER schemes, providing the Central government a grassroots read on scheme delivery in a conflict-affected district.

PM-DevINE IT SEZ Site Inspection

On Friday, Majumdar, accompanied by Dharmvir Jha, Statistical Adviser of the MDoNER Ministry, and Dr R. K. Radhesana Devi, Director of the Planning Department, visited the PM-DevINE project site at Mantripukhri. The site is earmarked for the development of infrastructure for the Processing Zone of the Manipur Information Technology Special Economic Zone (IT SEZ). The project is envisioned as a key enabler of IT growth, entrepreneurship, investment, and employment opportunities for Manipur's youth — a notable pivot toward digital economy development in the Northeast.

Significance and What Comes Next

This is the first on-ground ministerial review of the Manipur IT SEZ under the PM-DevINE framework in recent months. The visit comes amid continued efforts by the Centre to maintain developmental momentum in Manipur, even as the state manages an extended period of civil unrest. Senior state government officials were present throughout the engagements. Timelines for project completion and the next tranche of Central allocations under NEC are expected to be firmed up in the weeks ahead.