Collect money, re-build houses: Biren to IDPs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 12 2024: Even as the Government has released funds to rebuild houses, many of the internally displaced people in relief camps have not yet availed the funds, said Chief Minister N Biren Singh addressing a presser held at his Secretariat today.

He said, the displaced people who hail from places where security has been restored should approach the Government to avail the funds and start rebuilding their houses lost to the ongoing conflict.

Appealing to the IDPs on the issues of construction of houses, the Chief Minister also said that the Government is willing to buy the products/crafts IDPs are making in relief camps in bulk to improve their economy.

On the issue of construction of houses, N Biren said the Government had started releasing funds for construction of already approved kachcha and semi-pucca houses in places where security has returned.

While many people have constructed houses under the scheme and moved in to their newly built houses at Dolaithabi, Torbung and Lamlai, many have not yet approached the Government authorities to avail the funds, he said.

He said the displaced people hailing from places where security has returned should approach the Government authorities concerned and get the fund to start constructing their houses.

In case of places where security is still a concern, the Government will release the fund when the situation improves, N Biren said.

The Chief Minister further flagged a concern that many who have already taken the first package of the fund have been found not constructing their houses.

"In places where security has returned, many are still not constructing houses even after availing half the funds meant for construction," he said.

"In case the displaced people in relief camps can't build the houses, the Government is willing to hire construction agencies or work in collaboration with the local clubs to construct the houses in their instead," N Biren said.

If the displaced people genuinely want to build their houses, they may avail the fund.

The fund is meant for construction of houses.

If they have availed the fund, they should rebuild their houses, pleaded the Chief Minister.

In case any authority has taken the money and construction has not yet started, then their grievances may be lodged through "CM da haisi" by dialling mobile number 9534795347 .

People facing such inconveniences and grievances may also approach the office of the Deputy Commissioner concerned, he said.

If the displaced people in relief camps have any concern related to construction of houses, they may approach the Government, which is open 24x7 to address all grievances, he added.

He said the Government is taking up every effort to improve the economy of the people in all the relief camps.

Self Help Groups have been engaged and various skill development training are being given to the inmates, he added.

The inmates at relief camps lack a place to sell products they make.

There have been reports of them selling the products they made on the streets, which is sad, N Biren said.

To resolve this issue and provide them some relief, N Biren said the Government will directly buy the products from them.

"Inmates are making candles, incense sticks, mats, dolls and varieties of other crafts.

They may dial "CM da haisi" number 9534795347 to sell the products.

The Government will buy the products at a reasonable price and resell them at wholesale rate," N Biren said.

He added the Government will buy the products in bulk.

He further stated that the Government has various relief measures lined up for inmates in all relief camps, but this has been delayed by the elections.

"Election code of conduct is enforced and this has delayed many developmental and relief measures for inmates in relief camps.

The Government, nonetheless, has completed all preparations, and banks have been consulted to provide suitable relief packages after the elections," N Biren said.

One of the main concerns of the inmates in relief camps has been the issue of privacy.

The Government is preparing to build 100-200 single barrack type houses.

The construction will start as soon as the election code of conduct is removed, he said.

Responding to a query about border fencing, N Biren said there is progress in the construction of around 21 Kilometres.

MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam and Moirang AC MLA Thongam Shanti were present at the press meet.

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