Imphal: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced plans to construct 7,000 temporary homes for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) currently living in schools and colleges. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Durbar Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Wednesday.
CM Biren Singh revealed that the Central Government has approved the construction of approximately 7,000 houses to accommodate those residing in relief camps across the state. The district-wise allocation includes: Bishnupur – 1,015, Chandel – 511, Churachandpur – 1,331, Imphal East – 594, Imphal West – 225, Kakching – 1,217, Kamjong – 74, Kangpokpi – 1,813, and Tengnoupal – 880.
He also noted that the funds received under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme were insufficient. To address this, he requested an additional Rs. 4 lakh per house for the construction of about 2,500 homes in areas such as Phubala (Moirang), Sericulture farm, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi. The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for sanctioning the necessary funds.
In addition, CM Biren Singh thanked Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, for his intervention in resolving disputes related to national highway projects in the state. He mentioned that the Centre has assured the settlement of land compensation disputes along National Highway-37, allowing contractors to resume work in coordination with the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
The Chief Minister also shared that an additional Rs. 1,000 crore for development projects in both hill and valley regions would be sanctioned soon. Concrete road construction will begin in the valley areas, with plans to build concrete roads within an 8-10 km radius of district headquarters in hill districts at an estimated cost of Rs. 175 crore.
Biren Singh mentioned that the Centre had recently approved 57 out of the 117 road and infrastructure projects proposed by the state government under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), with Rs. 217 crore sanctioned. He expressed optimism that the remaining projects would be approved soon. The Centre has also assured Rs. 170 crore for cyclone damage compensation.
He praised Union Minister Kiren Rijiju for his commitment to constructing a world-class football field in the state, with an estimated project cost of Rs. 220 crore. A suitable location for the project will be identified shortly.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced that Rs. 1,000 would be distributed to all individuals living in relief camps before Diwali and Ningol Chakkouba as part of the fifth phase of aid distribution. He also assured that the salaries of state government employees and pensions for retirees would be credited by October 31, 2024.
Applauding the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah, Biren Singh emphasized that both the Central and State governments are working together to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur. He called for the continued support and cooperation of the people.
The press conference was attended by Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, and Special Chief Secretary M.H. Khan.
