Imphal: The Union Government, under its Special Relief Package, has provided Rs 523 crore for the foremost priority: significant, concrete steps towards relief and long-term rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) sheltering in different relief camps across Manipur.
This was stated in an official statement issued by the Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, Puneet Kumar Goel, on Wednesday.
Out of this, Rs 180 crore has been earmarked for house restoration assistance for displaced families, and Rs 250 crore is designated for providing public assets such as health centres, community halls, water supply, schools, etc., at the places where IDPs would be resettled or rehabilitated.
Currently, Rs 18 crore per month is being spent on providing monetary assistance to the IDPs and for the management of relief camps across the State.
The Chief Secretary’s statement came after several organisations, including the IDPs and the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), boycotted the Manipur government’s proposed Sangai Festival 2025, which is scheduled to be held from November 21 to 30 in Imphal.
Emphasising the soothing balms for the prevailing humanitarian crisis, the Chief Secretary asserted that while relief and rehabilitation of IDPs is the top priority for the Government, holding the Sangai Festival is also important for economic acceleration and to provide market linkages for local artisans, entrepreneurs, craftsmen, and farmers, thereby boosting trade and investment.
The Government is simultaneously pushing major developmental projects to create jobs and enhance the ease of living, he said.
By showcasing Manipur’s unique art, culture, indigenous sports, and potential in tourism and IT, the festival aims to meticulously rebuild the State’s positive image on both the national and international stage, presenting Manipur as a safe, vibrant, and rewarding destination, he said.
He also appealed to the people of Manipur to participate with enthusiasm to make the Sangai Festival, 2025, a grand success.
As of early 2025, the number of IDPs in Manipur due to ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, was estimated to be 60,000.
However, the number of IDPs has since been reduced to around 35,000, and the IDPs are now availing assistance from the district administration.