Rs 734 crore for IDPs not enough: Manipur Congress

Opposition Congress in the Manipur Legislative Assembly on Tuesday sought an increase in the budgetary provision for internally displaced persons (IDPs), observing that the Rs 734 crore allocated in the 2026–27 budget estimates was insufficient.
Presenting the state budget on Monday, chief minister and finance minister Y. Khemchand Singh announced a total expenditure of Rs 30,356 crore, including Rs 734 crore earmarked for rehabilitation and resettlement of IDPs.
During the budget discussion, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Keisham Meghachandra Singh said the amount was too small considering the scale of damage and displacement caused by the violence. He noted that thousands of people had lost homes, properties, vehicles and livelihoods, and were still languishing in relief camps.
“Will it be possible to address this humanitarian crisis with Rs 734 crore?” he asked, insisting that the allocation should not be seen as adequate to meet the needs of affected families.
He further stressed that rehabilitation of displaced people remained a major humanitarian challenge, and urged both the state and Central governments to provide compensation.
The CLP leader also sought clarity on the proposed women empowerment scheme through Self Help Groups (SHGs), for which Rs 350 crore has been earmarked to benefit around 3.5 lakh women. He demanded that the government lay down the modalities of the scheme in the house.
Responding, chief minister Khemchand Singh acknowledged that Rs 734 crore might not be sufficient but explained that the allocation was for the fiscal year 2026–27 only. He assured that the government has been extending financial assistance to displaced people continuously since 2023–24 and would continue to do so in the coming years. On the women empowerment scheme, he stated that details would be made available through a public notification.
Relief, rehabilitation and compensation for IDPs remained a key concern during the budget discussions, with members raising questions on the adequacy of support measures and long-term rehabilitation of those affected.