Union Minister Approves 5,000 PMAY-G Houses for Manipur's Displaced Persons
In a significant development for Manipur's rehabilitation efforts, Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has approved the construction of 5,000 new houses for internally displaced persons (IDPs) under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). This crucial decision was finalized during a high-level meeting in New Delhi on Monday evening.
High-Level Delhi Meeting Leads to Approval
According to an official statement from the Chief Minister's Office issued on Tuesday, Chouhan cleared the housing project for the financial year 2025-26 after meeting with Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at his residence in the national capital. The Manipuri delegation included Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho, who accompanied the chief minister for these important discussions.
The Union minister warmly received the three leaders from Manipur and assured them of complete assistance in their mission to restore peace and normalcy in the northeastern state. This approval directly responds to a proposal submitted earlier this month by the Manipur government, which sought a special PMAY-G project specifically designed to build 5,000 houses for IDPs affected by recent violence in the region.
Special Provisions for Affected Households
Beyond the housing approval, Chouhan has authorized several important measures to facilitate the rehabilitation process:
- A special window within the Awaas+ 2024 survey to capture details of eligible affected households
- Permission for the state to continue registering eligible beneficiaries under the special PMAY-G project
- Authorization to sanction houses for eligible beneficiaries who previously received PMAY-G assistance but whose homes were destroyed during the violence
The ministry has directed that beneficiary identification must strictly follow PMAY-G guidelines, with all eligible beneficiary details to be identified and uploaded through the Awaas+ 2024 mobile application. This digital approach aims to ensure transparency and efficiency in the implementation process.
Multiple Ministerial Meetings in Delhi
The housing approval was part of a broader series of meetings conducted by the Manipur leadership in New Delhi. Earlier on Monday, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and urged the establishment of a Territorial Army battalion specifically for Manipur. A separate statement confirmed that Rajnath Singh assured all possible assistance from the defence ministry for any state government initiatives.
The Manipuri delegation, comprising the chief minister and both deputy chief ministers, also held discussions with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. During this meeting, they sought enhanced financial assistance for Manipur to pursue inclusive growth and development. The Chief Minister's Office noted that Khemchand expressed gratitude for Sitharaman's continued support, with the finance minister promising help to revive the state's financial health and economy while confirming central assistance for IDP rehabilitation.
Additional Support from Central Ministries
Further expanding their outreach, the Manipur leaders met with DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, who revealed that his ministry is funding a polo project in Manipur, where the sport originated. Scindia also committed to coordinating with other central ministries on various issues concerning Manipur's development and stability.
Before these ministerial meetings, the Manipur delegation visited the BJP national office in New Delhi for discussions with party national president Nitin Nabin. During this political meeting, Nabin emphasized strengthening the state party unit and urged the chief minister to accelerate the resettlement of internally displaced persons, assuring full support from the party in these efforts.
This comprehensive approval of 5,000 PMAY-G houses represents a significant step toward addressing the humanitarian needs of Manipur's displaced population while demonstrating coordinated efforts between state and central authorities to restore stability in the region.
