The first meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted for the rehabilitation and resettlement of internally displaced persons, IDPs in Manipur resulting from the ongoing crisis was held on Thursday at the Conference Hall of the DC Office, Bishnupur.
The meeting focused on identifying the grievances of IDPs staying in relief camps, assessing the needs and requirements of persons in relief camps, supervising measures for the resettlement and rehabilitation of IDPs, and supervising the identification of land for temporary relocation of IDPs.
Chairperson of the Cabinet Sub-Committee, Minister Works and YAS, Konthoujam Govindas chaired the meeting. It was also attended by members of the Cabinet Sub-Committee Minister AH & Vety. and Transport, Khashim Vashum, and member Secretary Gyanprakash Huirem, Commissioner-cum-secretary (Home). MLA Moirang AC Thongam Shanti, MLA Thanga AC Tongbram Robindro, MLA Oinam AC Irengbam Nalini Devi, DC Lourembam Bikram, SP Ksh Ravikumar, ADC H Bobby Sharma, and officials concerned of the District Administration, relief camp committee members, and inmates of relief camps in the district were also present in the meeting.
DC Bishnupur, Lourembam Bikram briefed the committee members on the various steps taken up by the District Administration for the welfare of the IDPs. He highlighted that the total number of IDPs currently staying in 46 relief camps of the district is 8,848, while 1,115 IDPs are staying outside the relief camps. He said that 384 temporary houses including pre-fabricated houses have been constructed. So far, 338 families have already shifted to these newly constructed temporary houses. He added that 818 families have returned to their original residence/place.
The DC also highlighted that livelihood facilities have been extended to IDPs by the government through the CMESS scheme, MGNREGS special job cards, and skill development training programs. The DC further mentioned that sewing machines and looms were also provided. He informed that certain steps have been taken up by the District Administration for the resettlement and rehabilitation of IDPs. He further added that the identification of land for the construction of houses for displaced families who cannot return to their original residence is under process.
Chairperson of the Cabinet Sub-Committee Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh taking stock of the prevailing condition of the relief camps stated that the government is doing its best to address the grievances of IDPs and restoration of normalcy in the State. The Cabinet Sub-Committee set up under the guidance of the Chief Minister is committed to address the issues and challenges faced by the IDPs in the State.
The chairperson instructed the concerned SDOs/SDCs to furnish details of areas where a conducive atmosphere for the return of IDPs is possible but needs repairing of the properties. Govindas also assured to expedite the construction of temporary houses.
The chairperson assured to re-initiate the distribution of food supplements to inmates immediately. He also guaranteed assistance to students belonging to IDPs regarding their admission to schools and colleges, and if required the Government will discuss to increase the seat intake of the government institutes. Various schools and colleges in the State have benefited immensely from the School Fagathansi and College Fagathansi missions launched by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, he added.
As part of the meeting, the cabinet sub-committee members also interacted with inmates of the relief camps. During the interaction, inmates expressed their grievances and requirements to the Cabinet.
