Manipur minister proposes 15,000 houses for IDPs amid ongoing conflict

Manipur's Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, has proposed the construction of 15,000 houses for internally displaced persons (IDPs) as a special package for those affected by the ongoing conflict. 

The proposal was made to the Union Minister of Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, during a virtual meeting focused on rural development progress in the state.

During the press conference held at his secretariat, Minister Khemchand Singh highlighted the challenges faced by over 60,000 IDPs in Manipur. He emphasized the need to increase both the number of houses and the funds sanctioned by the Ministry of Rural Development. 

“Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned the construction of 7000 houses at the cost of Rs 1.3 lakh. But the number of people who are displaced is more than 60,000. Considering the sanctioned number of houses would be insufficient comparing the number of affected victims, we have requested to construct 15,000 houses. As Manipur lies in border areas, import of essential construction items charge higher to other states, we have urged to increase the cost of the house to Rs 5 lakh,” he informed.

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Currently, the ministry has approved the construction of 7,000 houses at a cost of Rs 1.3 lakh each, which is insufficient given the high number of displaced individuals. The minister requested that 15,000 houses be built and the cost per house be increased to Rs 5 lakh, considering the higher import costs of construction materials in border areas like Manipur.

Khemchand Singh expressed optimism that the Union Ministry would address these concerns. He also commended the state's achievement in the Amrit Sarovar Scheme, where Manipur exceeded the target set by the Union Ministry by constructing 1,228 ponds instead of the required 1,220, despite ongoing conflicts for over 19 months.

According to state government reports, 7,540 individuals from 2,058 families have been resettled in various districts, including Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Jiribam, Noney, Kakching, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi. 

The Manipur government had initially planned to construct 3,000 prefabricated houses across seven districts, with 2,660 completed, 340 in progress, and 2,520 already occupied.

The Home Department of Manipur reported that in Churachandpur district, 400 prefabricated houses were planned, with 240 completed, 160 under construction, and 150 occupied. In Imphal West, 250 houses have been fully constructed and occupied. Imphal East is set to construct 530 houses, with 400 completed and occupied, and 130 in progress. 

In Kangpokpi district, out of the 1,100 planned, 1,050 are completed, 50 are in progress, and 1,000 are occupied. Thoubal and Kakching districts have each constructed 200 houses, all of which are occupied. In Bishnupur district, 320 houses were constructed and occupied.

Each house can accommodate three to five people, yet a significant number of IDPs remain in relief camps. Reports indicate that 63,538 people are currently residing in relief camps across various regions.