Cabinet panel reviews plight of IDPs
Source: Chronicle News Service

Bishnupur, June 20 2024: The first meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted for the rehabilitation and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state, resulting from the ongoing crisis, was held at the conference hall of the Bishnupur DC Office on Thursday.

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 overseeing the identification of land for temporary relocation of IDPs.

Cabinet Sub-Committee chairperson, works minister Govindas Konthoujam chaired the meeting.

It was also attended by members of the Cabinet Sub-Committee including veterinary minister Khashim Vashum, and commissioner-cum secretary (home) Gyanprakash Huirem, who is the member secretary.

Moirang MLA Thongam Shanti, Thanga MLA Tongbram Robindro, Oinam MLA Irengbam Nalini, Bishnupur DC Lourembam Bikram, SP Ksh Ravikumar, ADC H Bobby Sharma, and officials concerned of the district administration, relief camp committee members,' and residents of relief camps in the district were also present at the meeting.

DC Bikram briefed the committee members on the various steps taken by the district administration for the welfare of the IDPs.

He highlighted that the total number of IDPs currently staying in 46 relief camps in the district is 8,848, while 1,115 IDPs are staying outside the relief camps.

He stated 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 residences/places.

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 programmes.

The DC further mentioned that sewing machines and looms were also provided.

He informed that certain steps have been taken 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 residences is underway.

Minister Govindas Konthoujam, taking stock of the prevailing conditions of the relief camps, stated that the government is doing its best to address the grievances of IDPs and restore normalcy in the state.

The Cabinet Sub-Committee, set up under the guidance of the Chief Minister, is committed to addressing the issues and challenges faced by the IDPs in the state.

The chairperson instructed SDOs/SDCs concerned to furnish details of areas where a conducive atmosphere for the return of IDPs is possible but requiring repairing of the properties.

Govindas also assured to expedite the construction of temporary houses.

The chairperson assured to reinstate 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 increasing the seat intake of government institutes.

Various schools and colleges in the state have benefited immensely from the School Fag-athansi and College Fagathansi missions launched by Chief Minister Biren, he added.

As part of the meeting, the Cabinet Sub-Committee members also interacted with residents of the relief camps who aired their grievances and requirements to the Cabinet Sub-Committee.

Later, the ministerial team visited relief camps at Moirang College, Santhong community hall, Moirang Khunou Mayai Leikai Mandop, and Kumbi Leirak Achouba community hall, and Laishang Leikai Lampak among others.

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