Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh reviews the World Bank-funded MIND Project and says it will accelerate Manipur's digital transformation and job creation.
Imphal, June 23: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has reviewed the progress of the World Bank-funded Manipur Infotech eNabled Development (MIND) Project, stating that the initiative will accelerate the state's digital transformation and strengthen Manipur's position as an emerging technology hub in the Northeast.
Chairing a review meeting at the State Secretariat on Monday, the Chief Minister assessed the implementation status of the project and reiterated the government's commitment to improving digital infrastructure, promoting innovation and creating an ecosystem conducive to technological growth.
A key component of the project is the establishment of an Information Technology Special Economic Zone (IT-SEZ) at Mantripukhri, which is expected to serve as a major catalyst for the growth of Manipur's digital economy.
During the meeting, Khemchand said the project would help attract investment, create employment opportunities for young people and support the government's broader vision of building a "Viksit Manipur" through technology-driven development.
He observed that advances in digital infrastructure and innovation would contribute significantly to economic growth and improve access to public services across the state.
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The MIND Project, backed by a $46 million loan from the World Bank's International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), was approved in July 2023. However, the project became effective only on June 19, 2025, following a delay of nearly two years between approval and operational commencement.
According to official information, the project has an estimated value of around ?435 crore and aims to expand broadband connectivity to 2.5 lakh people by 2028 while providing digital skills training and entrepreneurship support to youth, women and micro-entrepreneurs.
The project also seeks to strengthen e-governance by enabling the delivery of 70 government services through a centralised digital data infrastructure by 2028.
The review comes against the backdrop of concerns over implementation delays flagged earlier by the World Bank. An Implementation Status and Results Report released in April this year rated both progress towards development objectives and overall implementation as "Moderately Unsatisfactory," citing the prolonged delay in operationalising the project. As of April 2026, only about 0.26 per cent of the World Bank loan amount had been disbursed.
The report noted that several major activities were still at the procurement stage, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art data centre and a dedicated cybersecurity centre, both considered critical foundations for the project's long-term objectives.
Despite the slow start, the project has set ambitious targets. These include providing job-oriented digital interventions to 7,500 beneficiaries, ensuring broadband access for 2.5 lakh individuals, promoting digital literacy and expanding technology-driven entrepreneurship opportunities across the state.
Officials stated that the project is scheduled for completion by September 2028.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that with accelerated implementation and coordinated efforts among stakeholders, the MIND Project would play a transformative role in strengthening digital governance, improving connectivity and creating new opportunities for the people of Manipur.
