Restoration of Peace in Manipur: Approval for 7,000 Houses, Says FM Nirmala Sitharaman
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Synopsis
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman updated the Rajya Sabha on March 18 about the measures taken for restoring peace in Manipur, including the approval of 7,000 houses for the displaced and a commitment to ongoing relief and development efforts.
Key Takeaways
- 7,000 houses approved for homeless in Manipur.
- Government has allocated Rs 400 crore for relief camps.
- Army and Police deployed to maintain law and order.
- Additional Rs 100 crore allocated for relief efforts.
- Rs 500 crore emergency fund established for future crises.
New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday regarding the measures implemented to bring normalcy back to violence-stricken Manipur.
"The conditions in Manipur are slowly stabilizing. Reports of violence have markedly declined. The government has approved approximately 7,000 new houses for those displaced by the conflict. The necessary financial assistance for relief and rehabilitation has been allocated by the central government," Sitharaman stated in the Upper House.
She noted that the Army and Assam Rifles have been mobilized to uphold law and order, supported by 286 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces and local police.
"Aside from a few regrettable incidents, the rate of violence is diminishing. Smooth and secure traffic is being ensured on the National Highway, and essential goods are being supplied. Regular helicopter services are also in operation," she added.
In terms of relief efforts, Sitharaman mentioned that around 60,000 individuals continue to reside in relief camps, while about 7,000 have returned to their homes.
"A special package from the Ministry of Home Affairs has allocated Rs 400 crore for the operations of relief camps. Additionally, 7,000 houses have been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin for those displaced," she stated.
The Finance Minister also outlined ongoing development projects within the state. "The central government is consistently supporting Manipur through various initiatives, including the Manipur Water Supply Project, National Highway Project, Railway Project, Medical College, Triple IT, and housing programs," she elaborated.
While addressing discussions concerning Manipur's budget and supplementary grants, Sitharaman reiterated the government’s dedication to reinstating law and order and revitalizing economic activities.
"An extra Rs 100 crore has been designated for relief efforts. To tackle natural disasters, Rs 200 crore has been set aside under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and Rs 68 crore under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)," she added.
She also announced the establishment of a Rs 500 crore emergency fund to manage any future crises in the state. "This fund will guarantee that Manipur has the resources necessary to respond to emergencies," stated Sitharaman.
The Finance Minister updated the House on the regular visits by the Home Minister and the Minister of State for Home to evaluate the situation. She emphasized the Prime Minister's active role, asserting, "The Prime Minister is consistently overseeing the situation and guiding efforts to restore peace. This is our Manipur, your Manipur, the Manipur of all of us. We must collaborate rather than cast blame."
The Rajya Sabha subsequently approved Manipur's budget for the year 2025-26 and the supplementary demands for grants associated with the state.
