The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) today released its occasional paper titled “Manipur Towards Peaceful Resurgence (PR) – The Challenges” at a function held at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal.
Authored by renowned economist and IDS Chairperson Professor N. Mohendro Singh, the paper was formally released in a function presided over by eminent senior journalist Ningombam Hemantakumar. Managing Director of Thangjam Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd., Thangjam Joykumar Singh, graced the event as the Guest of Honour, while Professor N. Damodar Singh from the Department of Economics, Manipur University, attended as the key speaker.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor N. Mohendro Singh emphasized the urgent need to address Manipur’s lagging economic performance, despite the state’s significant achievements in the fields of sports and culture. He underlined that the economy forms the backbone of any society, and it is essential to focus on strengthening it through a multi-sectoral approach.
The occasional paper delves into four critical sectors — agriculture, industry, services, and rural development — as key areas requiring immediate attention for the state’s resurgence. Professor Mohendro stressed the importance of understanding the ground realities of both the land and its people, along with a well-functioning administrative structure, to bring about meaningful development.
Citing tourism as a potential economic driver, he pointed out the shift in tourism perception from mere sightseeing to experiences that captivate and inspire visitors to return. In this context, he lamented the underdevelopment of iconic sites in Manipur such as the Subhas Chandra Bose Statue at Moirang, drawing a comparison to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, which has become a major tourist attraction.
Touching upon agriculture, Professor Mohendro expressed concern over the state’s inability to produce adequate agricultural output despite its dependence on the sector. He also raised questions about the deteriorating transport infrastructure, particularly the two National Highways, which he described as the state’s economic lifelines. He remarked that without proper management and free movement on these highways, both forward and backward linkages in the economy are severely hindered.