New Delhi: Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi on Thursday, where he outlined the state’s progress in restoring peace, rehabilitating displaced families, and advancing socio-economic development. The meeting, chaired by prime minister Narendra Modi in his capacity as chairman of NITI Aayog, was held under the theme “Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047.”
The meeting was attended by Union Ministers, NITI Aayog Vice chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri, Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories, and chief ministers from across the country.
Addressing the gathering, chief minister Khemchand Singh expressed gratitude to prime minister Narendra Modi for his leadership and continued commitment to Manipur’s development. He also acknowledged the efforts of union home minister Amit Shah, stating that coordinated action by the centre and the state government has led to a noticeable improvement in the law and order situation in the state.
The chief minister informed the council that significant humanitarian measures have been undertaken to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the conflict. Under the Resettlement and Rehabilitation Package, phased resettlement is underway, and approximately 11,000 displaced families have already returned to their homes with central government assistance.
He noted that the state government is working to ensure the rehabilitation of all remaining families at the earliest. Singh also thanked the Centre for approving an additional 5,000 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) for 2026-27 and sought further support to address housing needs.
The chief minister emphasized that since assuming office on February 4, 2026, his administration has focused not only on restoring peace but also on rebuilding trust and fostering reconciliation among communities affected by the conflict.
Highlighting his outreach efforts, Singh said he personally visited relief camps in Jiribam and Imphal and travelled through Kangpokpi district to Senapati, where he met members of both Naga and Kuki communities. He also visited Ukhrul district and interacted with displaced families from Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts through video conferencing.
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The chief minister described Jiribam as a symbol of hope and reconciliation, noting that it became the first district where members of the Meitei, Kuki, Paite and Hmar communities came together peacefully and shared a communal meal. He revealed that displaced persons from Jiribam have begun returning to their original homes and expressed his desire to replicate this model of reconciliation across the state.
Seeking continued central support, Singh stressed the importance of restoring dignity, security and sustainable livelihoods for displaced families.
Addressing security concerns, the chief minister highlighted challenges arising from the ongoing situation in neighbouring Myanmar. He called for stronger border management, enhanced surveillance systems and coordinated efforts to curb drug trafficking, arms smuggling and human trafficking along the Indo-Myanmar border.
He informed the council that the ministry of home affairs has completed 50 kilometres of border fencing to curb illegal activities, while work on an additional 80 kilometres is currently underway.
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In the healthcare sector, Singh reported that more than 1.4 lakh free treatments worth over ₹181 crore have been provided under Ayushman Bharat and the Chief Ministergi Hakshelgi Tengbang scheme. He also stated that Manipur currently records the lowest Infant Mortality Rate in the country.
On education, the chief minister noted that Manipur’s Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education stands at 35.5 per cent, significantly above the national average of 28.4 per cent. He said the government is undertaking mission-mode recruitment of teaching faculty and aligning universities with the National Credit Framework and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
He urged the centre to include Manipur in the proposed national Research and Innovation Parks and Mega Educational Hubs initiative, with a regional node connecting universities, the National Institute of Technology (NIT), information technology institutions and local industry clusters.
Describing the state’s recovery as “real and visible,” Singh said government offices are functioning normally, schools have reopened, cultural festivals have resumed, businesses are recovering and citizens are regaining confidence in the future.
The chief minister highlighted successful skill development initiatives that have enabled Manipuri youth to secure employment abroad. Through Japanese language training and partnerships involving the State Skill Development Department and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), many young people are now employed in Japan’s healthcare and hospitality sectors. Others have found opportunities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Portugal and the United States under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY).
To further enhance employment opportunities, he requested central support for the modernization of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnics under an industry-linked hub-and-spoke model.
The chief minister also called for the inclusion of more districts and blocks under the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks Programmes to accelerate development in remote areas.
Emphasizing Manipur’s strategic importance, he sought faster implementation of connectivity projects under the Act East Policy, including national highways, railway infrastructure and border trade facilities at Moreh. According to Singh, these initiatives are crucial for enabling Manipur to fully realize its role as India’s gateway to Southeast and East Asia.
Concluding his address, Khemchand Singh reaffirmed his government’s commitment to leading Manipur out of conflict and towards lasting peace and prosperity.
“Manipur is marching steadily toward the sunlight of peace and prosperity,” he said. “With the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, the steadfast support of the Central Government, and the partnership of NITI Aayog, we are determined to ensure that a Viksit Manipur stands proudly as a sparkling jewel in the crown of a Viksit Bharat.”
