Manuscript Number : GISRRJ247625

Mapping Developmental Gaps through Ethnic Lenses : A Micro Study of Manipur’s Hill and Valley Regions

Authors(2) :-Dr. Sarika Dixit, Pawan Kumar Sachan

This study critically examines the developmental disparities between the hill and valley regions of Manipur through the prism of ethnicity, geography, and governance. Manipur’s unique ethno-political landscape—dominated by Meiteis in the valley and tribal communities such as Kukis and Nagas in the hills—reveals significant imbalances in access to resources, infrastructure, and state support. Drawing on a mixed-methods micro-study, the research involved field interviews, focus group discussions, and the analysis of secondary data from government and academic sources. The findings indicate a stark socio-economic divide: hill regions suffer from poor healthcare, education, employment, and connectivity, whereas the valley benefits from administrative centrality and infrastructural concentration. The study also highlights how ethnic identities shape perceptions of exclusion, foster inter-community tensions, and fuel demands for autonomy and equitable governance. While the state apparatus appears reactive rather than inclusive, civil society actors—especially the Church—play a critical role in filling service delivery gaps in hill regions. The paper recommends a multi-pronged, inclusive development model that addresses structural inequities and promotes participatory governance. By mapping developmental gaps through ethnic lenses, this research underscores the urgent need for tailored policies that recognize the socio-cultural diversities and aspirations of all ethnic groups in Manipur.

Authors and Affiliations

Dr. Sarika Dixit
Registrar & Dean Mahatma Gandhi University, Meghalaya
Pawan Kumar Sachan
Research Scholar, Mahatma Gandhi University, Meghalaya

Ethnic Disparities, Manipur, Hill-Valley Divide, Developmental Gaps, Tribal Communities, Inclusive Policy, Micro Study, Inter-Ethnic Relations

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Publication Details

Published in : Volume 7 | Issue 6 | November-December 2024
Date of Publication : 2024-12-20
License:  This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Page(s) : 218-230
Manuscript Number : GISRRJ247625
Publisher : Technoscience Academy

ISSN : 2582-0095

Cite This Article :

Dr. Sarika Dixit, Pawan Kumar Sachan , "Mapping Developmental Gaps through Ethnic Lenses : A Micro Study of Manipur’s Hill and Valley Regions ", Gyanshauryam, International Scientific Refereed Research Journal (GISRRJ), ISSN : 2582-0095, Volume 7, Issue 6, pp.218-230, November-December.2024
URL : https://gisrrj.com/GISRRJ247625

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