Imphal: Manipur’s Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, has proposed a special package for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the state, suggesting the construction of 15,000 houses to address the ongoing crisis.
This proposal was presented during a virtual meeting with Union Minister of Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, focusing on the progress of rural development in the state.
Minister Khemchand Singh highlighted the severe challenges faced by over 60,000 IDPs in Manipur due to the ongoing conflict. Currently, the Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned 7,000 houses at a cost of Rs 1.3 lakh each, which the minister argued is insufficient to meet the needs of the displaced population.
In response, he requested an increase in the number of houses to 15,000 and proposed a higher construction cost of Rs 5 lakh per house, citing the elevated costs of importing construction materials in border areas like Manipur.
The minister expressed hope that the Union Ministry would consider these concerns. He also acknowledged the state’s success in the Amrit Sarovar Scheme, where Manipur surpassed its target by constructing 1,228 ponds, despite the ongoing conflict that has lasted for over 19 months.
As of now, 7,540 individuals from 2,058 families have been resettled across various districts in Manipur, including Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Jiribam, Noney, Kakching, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi. The state government had initially planned the construction of 3,000 prefabricated houses across seven districts, with 2,660 completed, 340 under construction, and 2,520 already occupied.
Reports indicate that 63,538 people remain in relief camps across the state, underlining the urgency of addressing the housing needs of the displaced population.
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