In a bid to showcase the emerging industrial and enterprising prowess of the state, the first ever Industrial Expo is being organized in Manipur. The event is not one-off, as an international business summit was also held as part of the extravaganza to lure investors and kickstart the industrial revolution in Manipur. The ambitious term “Make in Manipur” was even coined to broadcast the firm intent of the state government, and more importantly to pique the interest of the rest of the country and the world to the positive potentials of the otherwise volatile, often troubled state. That there has been a perceptible change in the social outlook, albeit slowly, cannot be ignored anymore, and that these changes are being driven, more than anything, by the rapidly shifting focus and efforts of a rising number of private players- individuals and groups would be stating the obvious. The initial impact of the all-out effort of the state government has been felt across the state and beyond. And it must be said at this point that the impact has been a mixed one- ranging from the inexplicably confused general public to the grinning state officials and bureaucrats heaving a collective sigh of relief at a task dispensed and done with. While it would sound too judgmental and immature to comment on the events, there can be no denying the fact that everything right from the start, barring the media advertisement part for the expo that elicited unprecedented interest and curiosity, could have been handled more efficiently, given that the state government have spared no expenses and efforts to make the event a success. To add to the grouse as some might put it, the protest by the designers and beauty contestants of the state on the alleged mismanagement and backtracking of the procedures of selection whereby the opportunities of showcasing and promoting the rich traditional fabrics and costumes of Manipur on the national and international fashion arena- a real opportunity for revival of the beleaguered handloom and handicrafts industry of Manipur, has been wasted- yet again, as the incident is not the first, and going by the evidently indifferent attitude of the officials, nor the last. The choice of the venue for the expo leaves a lot to be desired and raised more questions than the organizers would care or able to answer. It would come as no surprise to anyone if details of financial irregularities and misappropriations regarding the organisation of the extravaganza come out in the future.
The recent ‘Expo’ exposed more lapses and lackadaisical approach to the implementation of an idea- no matter how grand or positive it might be. It is this abject failure of implementing a task that has been the stumbling block of the state government so far. Yet there is still no apparent sign of stocktaking or introspection on the part of the government in an earnest effort to improve its performance or acceptability and accountability. If that was the best the present government can do to project the emerging Manipur to the rest of the world, it is time to question our allegiance and support.
