Camp sitting dissects woes of IDPs in Bishnupur
Source: Chronicle News Service
Bishnupur, January 13 2025:
With an aim to provide a platform to discuss the numerous issues being faced by the internally displaced persons and address their welfare, a Camp Sitting cum Stakeholder Consultation Meeting was held at the Bishnupur DC Mini Secretariat complex, on Monday.
The programme jointly organised by ManipuT Human Rights Commission, Manipur State Commission for Women, and Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights included discussion among commission members, district administration, various line departments, relief camp officials, and the IDPs themselves, on welfare measures for the displaced persons.
Bishnupur DC Lourembam Bikram, as well as heads of departments, including the ZEO, CMO, District Social Welfare, PHED and MSPDGL officers, highlighted the various initiatives and schemes being implemented for the IDPs.
They also addressed the challenges in meeting the needs of the displaced population.
Key topics discussed in the meeting included pension schemes, provision of textbooks, stationery items and school uniforms, transportation for students, remedial studies and healthcare services for chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
IDPs also highlighted the need for improved sanitation, safe drinking water, and psychological support.
Representatives from relief camps in Bishnupur district highlighted the daily struggles of IDPs, with a particular focus on the needs related to education, healthcare and livelihood.
One IDP said that since they suffer a lot in terms of educational facilities, the state government had been urged to provide a special package for welfare of the IDP students.
The IDP further appealed to the MHRC to do the needful for providing special package during the upcoming session.
The IDP also urged the authority concerned to send department officials at the relief camps and ensure that the IDPs possess beneficiary cards including birth certificate and health cards, considering the issues faced by them.
New Life Foundation and PRDA Bishnupur also shared their experiences and challenges in delivering services to the IDPs.
In his remarks, Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairperson Keisham Pradip Kumar Singh, pointed out the importance of safeguarding basic human rights, despite the financial constraints faced.
He also urged stakeholders to focus on best use of government schools and ensure affordable education facilities.
Pradip Kumar also stressed the importance of improving livelihood opportunities for IDPs, highlighting that resilience and hope are key to rebuilding their lives.
He appealed to all officials and committee members to take timely action to ensure that the needs of IDPs are met.
Manipur State Commission for Women chairperson Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang, called the meeting an important step towards building a better future for the IDPs.
She called for coordinated efforts to address specific needs of women including timely counselling and access to basic resources.
MHRC member Kangjam Khagendra Singh, reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to ensuring the protection of basic human rights for IDPs, particularly in the vital areas of education and health.
He assured that the insights gained from the meeting would be helpful in building a better society for the IDPs.
The meeting was also attended by Manipur Human Rights Commission secretary Mamata Wahengbam, members, officials of the district administration, representatives of the IDPs and committee members of relief camps.