Money for essential medicines for the IDPs which are not procurable with government health cards can be sanctioned by the concerned DC, announced Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on the floor of the House on Monday.
This announcement was part of a response to a calling attention motion raised by Opposition MLA K Ranjit on Monday.
The chief minister also addressed the various hardships faced by IDP patients in hospitals, informing that all hospitals have been instructed to provide free food and water for two attendants of every IDP patient.
Additionally, teams of doctors and nurses are visiting relief camps twice a week, and medicines are being provided free of cost, he added.
The Opposition MLA also raised the allegations of the government’s refusal to bear the expenses of cremating a deceased inmate at a relief camp, as reported by a local newspaper on July 18.
To this, CM Biren clarified that the report was misleading.
Stating that the concerned DC had not received any claim before the funeral, he said however, once the claim was received in the evening, Rs 11,000 was released the next day.
He also announced that the government has instructed all DCs to allocate Rs 30,000 for the cremation and rites if any inmate passes away in a relief camp.
The Manipur CM further criticised certain media firms, including the particular newspaper, for allegedly exaggerating issues and violence.
He urged media outlets to abstain from publishing such baseless news to help reduce the ongoing crisis.
Responding to questions about the government’s initiatives for the well-being of IDPs, CM Biren informed the Assembly that 6,000 inmates are receiving skill training under the PMKAY and 91 of them have secured jobs outside the state.
The government is also organising entertainment and sports activities for the inmates, including children, and maintaining regular interactions with them to address their needs.
While calling the attention, MLA Ranjit emphasised the need for the government to take responsibility for all occurrences in the relief camps, stating that they are living under the government’s custodianship.
Pointing out that the inmates are living with an unstable mindset due to uncertainty about their future, Ranjit highlighted that one IDP had committed suicide, another attempted suicide, and many have died due to psychological pressure in the relief camps.
Despite the government’s positive claims, Ranjit alleged that these claims do not translate well into action.
He cited the recent refusal by the DC of Kakching to release money for last rites for an inmate in a relief camp.
In response, the chief minister assured that any lapses might be due to communication gaps and promised to instruct the DCs for necessary actions.
CM Biren also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the resettlement of IDPs at the earliest possible and sought public support in this regard.
During the zero hour of the Assembly, MLA I Nalini Devi also highlighted the plight of IDPs who haven’t received any government benefits yet, as they reside in rented accommodations or with relatives instead of relief camps.
She urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure that these IDPs also receive the necessary government assistance.
