Guwahati: The World Bank has flagged slow implementation and delays in the Manipur Infotech eNabled Development (MIND) Project, rating its overall progress as “moderately unsatisfactory” even as the ambitious digital push in the state struggles to gain traction.
According to the latest Implementation Status & Results Report released on April 17, the project—aimed at expanding digital skills, broadband access, and e-governance infrastructure, has seen little on-ground progress so far.
The report notes that although the project was approved in July 2023, it became effective only in June 2025, significantly delaying execution. As a result, key outcome indicators, including employment through digital skills training and broadband access expansion remain at zero.
The World Bank has retained both the “progress towards development objective” and “implementation progress” ratings at “moderately unsatisfactory,” while the overall risk level, though slightly improved, continues to remain “substantial.”
Despite the slow start, the focus has now shifted to building core digital infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art data centre and a cybersecurity centre, with procurement processes currently underway. These are expected to form the backbone for future digital services, particularly in remote hill areas.
The project, with a total outlay of 46 million dollars, aims to train youth, women, and micro-entrepreneurs in digital skills while expanding broadband connectivity to 2.5 lakh people by 2028. It also targets enabling 70 government services through a centralised data system.
However, financial progress remains minimal. As per the report, only 0.12 million dollars, just 0.26% of the total funding has been disbursed so far, underscoring the gap between planning and execution.
The World Bank said it is working closely with the implementing agency, Cyber Corporation of Manipur Limited (CCML), to accelerate rollout through skill development programmes, incubation support, and digital infrastructure expansion.
The project is scheduled for completion by September 2028.