Manipur Government to Offer Collateral-Free Loans of Up to Rs 50,000 to Individuals Displaced by Violence: CM

Imphal, Dec 31 (NationPress) The government of Manipur is set to extend collateral-free loans reaching up to Rs 50,000 to those displaced by ethnic violence through the Chief Minister’s Entrepreneurship Support Scheme (CMESS), as announced by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Tuesday.

The Chief Minister revealed that loans have already been issued to approximately 426 displaced individuals under this initiative to aid their entrepreneurial ventures.

He encouraged the community to take advantage of the financial support available through this scheme.

While speaking to the press, he mentioned that successful startups in the region, backed by the state government, are prepared to hire displaced individuals, with seven identified businesses ready to employ a total of 432 displaced persons.

“In line with the ‘One Family One Livelihood’ initiative, loans of up to Rs 10 lakh will be allocated with a 30 percent subsidy aimed at benefiting 5,000 target recipients,” he stated, adding that 745 applicants have been shortlisted, with nine loans already disbursed.

The Chief Minister noted that due to the government's relentless efforts, a total of 2,058 displaced families (comprising 7,549 individuals) have returned to their original residences.

He mentioned that the government has allocated Rs 30 crore to provide Rs 1,000 per person to those residing in relief camps, with five installments already distributed.

For the operation of relief camps, a total of Rs 280 crore has been allocated, and a compensatory package of Rs 32 crore has been approved for farmers affected by the violence.

Weekly health checkups have been conducted in all relief camps, with 18,911 visits recorded thus far, along with the provision of essential medications for residents.

The Chief Minister added that students in the relief camps can attend government schools and colleges for free, while those in private institutions receive 50 percent funding for their expenses.

Employment and livelihood support programs are being prioritized for camp residents who have faced challenges in finding suitable work, he emphasized.

The state government has established 302 relief camps across various districts to accommodate over 59,000 individuals affected by violence.

The Chief Minister also announced plans to launch Aadhaar-linked Birth Registration in three districts soon, which will link newborns' Aadhaar numbers to their mothers.

The child's Aadhaar will be updated every five years, allowing the government to gather vital demographic data from birth, facilitating easier access to government schemes and protecting the indigenous population over time.

Singh mentioned that approximately Rs 70 crore has been earmarked for constructing a 60-bed state Mental Hospital under PM DevINE, with work already in progress.

A total of Rs 104 crore has been allocated for the Super Speciality Healthcare project, focusing on five district hospitals: Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong, Senapati, and Jiribam.

Under the Chief Minister’s Teachers Achievement Award, there will be annual awards for a maximum of 50 primary teachers, 30 graduate teachers, and 25 lecturers.

Additionally, under the PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana, the government is offering subsidized rooftop solar installations for residential properties, urging citizens to register and apply online to benefit from the program.

In response to the absence of a functional de-addiction center in Ukhrul, the government plans to construct a rehabilitation facility in the district.

The Chief Minister announced an expansion of Oil Palm Plantation to approximately 9,000 hectares in Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Jiribam districts.

He also revealed that five cold storage units will be established with a project investment of Rs 10 crore in the state.