Imphal: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said that since the formation of the new Government following the imposition of President’s Rule in the State, the State Government has been working tirelessly to facilitate the return of IDPs to their respective homes. The Government has held several rounds of talks with representatives of various civil society organisations (CSOs) to bridge the trust deficit that has emerged due to the crisis.
The Chief Minister said the above statement today at the distribution of benefits worth Rs. 2,19,25,000 to eligible labour card holders, specially for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), under Special Scheme for financial assistance for education of children staying at relief camps and other schemes of the Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (MBOCWWB) as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan at the City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, Imphal.
Khemchand Singh further expressed that sheltering in relief camps is not comfortable and that not being able to return to one’s own home is deeply disheartening. He stated that the crisis has led to the suffering of innocent people in both the valley and the hills.
Noting the positive outcome on the resumption of bus services along Imphal- Guwahati via Dimapur the Chief Minister stated that it has lessened the burden on players participating in tournaments held outside the State and students studying outside Manipur, as airfares are expensive. He added that nearly 450 to 500 passengers are travelling using public transport service every day.
He maintained that the IDPs had fled their homes with nothing, and that the Government has been making efforts to meet their needs through various Government schemes and basic needs.
Khemchand Singh informed that, nearly 2,531 IDPs are being provided the assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer and added that those IDPs who are yet to be registered should do so with the concerned authority to receive the said assistance.
Regarding Mission Pathshala, the State Government is making every effort to ensure that the benefits reach the IDP students of the State. He also informed that frequent meetings are being held with representatives of the IDPs to address their grievances.
Rajya Sabha MP Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi stated that extending assistance and support to the needy people of the State remains the government’s foremost priority.
Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering the weaker section of the society she said that they have been empowered by reaching out to the grassroots and implementing various beneficial schemes for the needy. She also lauded Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh for his courageous decision to visit Jiribam district by road prioritising the welfare of the people of Manipur.
During the programme, 2,531 beneficiaries have been provided assistance of around Rs 1,42,05,000 under the Special Scheme for Financial Assistance for the Education of Children Staying in Relief Camps (IDPs). In addition, 8 beneficiaries have received assistance of around Rs 19,00,000 under the Immediate Assistance in Case of Accident (Accidental Death) scheme, 194 beneficiaries with an amount of around Rs. 58,20,000 under the Natural Death Benefit scheme.
Tourism and Art & Culture, Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh; MLAs; Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur; Chairperson of MBOCWWB and other officials attended the programme.
