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25 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
4 min
RS
Richa Singh|Northeast India
Social IssuesPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Centre Approves Construction of 5,000 Houses for Manipur IDPs

Government approves 5,000 houses for Manipur's internally displaced persons under PMAY-G.

Centre Approves Construction of 5,000 Houses for Manipur IDPs

Photo by Breno Assis

The Union government has approved the construction of 5,000 houses for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur. These houses will be built under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). The Manipur government had requested this special project under PMAY-G to rehabilitate IDPs affected by the recent ethnic conflict, which has displaced approximately 62,000 people. The Union Rural Development Ministry has also approved a special window under the Awaas+ 2024 household survey to identify eligible affected households.

The ethnic conflict in Manipur has created a significant humanitarian crisis, necessitating urgent measures for the rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced families. The construction of these houses aims to provide safe and secure shelter to those who have been forced to leave their homes due to the violence.

This initiative is crucial for restoring normalcy and stability in the region, and it highlights the government's commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations affected by conflict. The project's relevance extends to UPSC aspirants, particularly in the context of social justice, government schemes, and issues related to internal displacement (GS Paper II).

Key Facts

1.

The Union government has approved the construction of 5,000 houses.

2.

The houses are for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur.

3.

The houses will be built under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).

4.

The Manipur government requested a special project under PMAY-G for IDPs.

5.

Nearly 62,000 persons have been displaced due to the recent ethnic conflict.

6.

The Union Rural Development Ministry approved a special window of the Awaas+ 2024 household survey.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

2.

GS Paper III: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

3.

GS Paper I: Social issues and displacement.

4.

Potential question types: Analyzing the effectiveness of PMAY-G in addressing housing needs of vulnerable populations, discussing the challenges of internal displacement in India, and evaluating the role of government schemes in promoting social justice.

In Simple Words

The government is building houses for people in Manipur who had to leave their homes because of violence. It's like helping families who lost their homes in a flood by giving them new places to live.

India Angle

In India, many people are displaced due to conflicts or natural disasters. This project shows the government is trying to help these people by providing them with housing.

For Instance

Think of it like when the government builds houses for people who lost their homes in a cyclone. It's about giving them a safe place to live and start over.

This matters because everyone deserves a safe place to live. Helping displaced people rebuild their lives is important for a fair society.

A home is more than just bricks; it's a foundation for rebuilding lives.

The Union government has approved the construction of 5,000 houses for the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur. These houses will be built under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).

The Manipur government had requested a special project under PMAY-G for IDPs affected by the recent ethnic conflict, which has displaced nearly 62,000 people. The Union Rural Development Ministry also approved a special window of the Awaas+ 2024 household survey to identify eligible affected households.

Expert Analysis

The recent approval for the construction of 5,000 houses for IDPs in Manipur highlights the critical role of government schemes and policies in addressing humanitarian crises. The project leverages the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), a flagship scheme launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Rural Development, aiming to provide affordable housing to rural populations. The scheme targets providing a pucca house with basic amenities to all houseless and those living in dilapidated houses by 2022, later extended. In this instance, PMAY-G is being utilized in a special project to address the specific needs of IDPs affected by the ethnic conflict in Manipur, demonstrating the scheme's adaptability to address diverse housing needs.

The initiative also underscores the importance of accurate data collection and identification of beneficiaries. The Awaas+ survey, a household survey conducted under PMAY-G, plays a crucial role in identifying eligible beneficiaries. The Union Rural Development Ministry's approval of a special window under the Awaas+ 2024 household survey specifically for Manipur IDPs ensures that affected households are accurately identified and included in the housing project. This targeted approach is essential for effective implementation and ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most.

Furthermore, the situation in Manipur brings to the forefront the issue of internal displacement. Internal displacement refers to the forced movement of people within their own country due to conflict, violence, human rights violations, or natural disasters. While international law provides frameworks for refugees who cross national borders, IDPs are protected by their own governments. The Manipur government's request for a special project under PMAY-G and the Union government's approval reflect the state's responsibility to protect and assist its internally displaced population. The scale of displacement, with nearly 62,000 people affected, highlights the magnitude of the challenge and the need for comprehensive rehabilitation efforts.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding the nuances of PMAY-G, the role of surveys in beneficiary identification, and the legal and ethical considerations surrounding internal displacement are crucial. Questions may arise in both Prelims and Mains exams related to government schemes for vulnerable populations, issues of social justice, and the state's responsibility towards its citizens in conflict situations.

Visual Insights

Key Statistics: Manipur IDP Housing Project

Highlights key numbers related to the approved housing project for internally displaced persons in Manipur.

Houses Approved
5,000

Addresses the urgent need for shelter for IDPs affected by the ethnic conflict.

Estimated Displaced Population
62,000

Indicates the scale of the displacement crisis in Manipur.

Manipur: Location of IDP Housing Project

Shows the location of Manipur in India, highlighting the region affected by the ethnic conflict and the site of the proposed housing project.

Loading interactive map...

📍Manipur
More Information

Background

The Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), launched in 2016, aims to provide affordable housing to the rural poor. This scheme is a revamped version of the erstwhile Indira Awaas Yojana, with the goal of ensuring "Housing for All" by providing pucca houses with basic amenities. The central government provides financial assistance to beneficiaries for constructing houses, and the scheme also focuses on convergence with other government programs for providing amenities like water, sanitation, and electricity. The ethnic conflict in Manipur, which began in May 2023, has resulted in widespread displacement and a humanitarian crisis. The conflict is primarily between the Meitei community, who are largely based in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki tribal community, who reside in the surrounding hills. This has led to significant internal displacement, with thousands of people forced to flee their homes and seek shelter in relief camps. The current approval for housing construction is a direct response to this crisis, aiming to provide shelter and support to the displaced population. The use of the Awaas+ survey is crucial for identifying eligible beneficiaries under PMAY-G, ensuring that the assistance reaches those who are most in need. This initiative highlights the government's role in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations affected by conflict and displacement.

Latest Developments

In recent years, the government has been actively focusing on expanding the reach and effectiveness of the PMAY-G scheme. Several modifications have been made to the scheme to address implementation challenges and improve beneficiary targeting. These include increasing the unit cost of houses, providing additional assistance for difficult terrains, and leveraging technology for monitoring and evaluation. The Ministry of Rural Development has also been emphasizing the importance of convergence between PMAY-G and other government schemes, such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Swachh Bharat Mission, to ensure holistic development of rural areas. This convergence approach aims to provide beneficiaries with access to employment opportunities, sanitation facilities, and other essential services. Looking ahead, the government aims to achieve complete saturation under PMAY-G, ensuring that all eligible rural households have access to pucca houses. The focus is also on promoting sustainable and eco-friendly construction practices under the scheme, contributing to environmental conservation and climate change mitigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is the PMAY-G scheme being specifically adapted to address the Manipur crisis, and why is this adaptation necessary?

The PMAY-G scheme is being adapted through a special project request from the Manipur government and a special window under the Awaas+ 2024 household survey. This adaptation is necessary because the ethnic conflict has created a unique situation with a large number of IDPs requiring urgent housing assistance, which the standard PMAY-G might not immediately address.

2. With nearly 62,000 people displaced, will 5,000 houses be enough? What other measures might be needed, and what are the limitations of this immediate response?

5,000 houses will likely not be enough to house all 62,000 displaced persons, as each house can only accommodate a limited number of people. Other measures needed might include temporary shelters, rental assistance, and long-term resettlement plans. The limitations of this immediate response are that it only addresses a fraction of the housing need and doesn't solve the underlying issues causing displacement.

3. How does the approval of these houses under PMAY-G align with the scheme's original objectives, and what does it indicate about the government's priorities?

The approval aligns with PMAY-G's objective of providing affordable housing to the rural poor, extending it to IDPs in this specific context. It indicates the government's priority to address humanitarian crises and provide relief to vulnerable populations affected by conflict.

4. What specific details about PMAY-G should I remember for Prelims, and what's a common trap related to this scheme?

For Prelims, remember that PMAY-G aims to provide 'Housing for All' by 2022 (though this deadline has likely been extended) and that it's a revamped version of the Indira Awaas Yojana. A common trap is confusing it with other urban housing schemes. examTip: Focus on the 'G' for 'Gramin' to remember it's for rural areas.

Exam Tip

Focus on the 'G' for 'Gramin' to remember it's for rural areas.

5. If a Mains question asks me to 'critically examine' the government's response to the Manipur crisis through PMAY-G, what points should I include?

A 'critically examine' answer should include both positive and negative aspects. Positively, acknowledge the government's quick action to provide housing. Negatively, discuss whether 5,000 houses are sufficient, the potential delays in implementation, and whether the scheme addresses the root causes of the conflict and displacement. Also, examine the long-term sustainability of this approach.

6. Which aspect of this news is most relevant for GS Paper II (Social Justice) and what specific keywords should I focus on?

The most relevant aspect for GS Paper II is the rehabilitation of vulnerable populations (IDPs) affected by ethnic conflict. Focus on keywords like 'internal displacement', 'social justice', 'vulnerable groups', 'government schemes', and 'humanitarian crisis'. Consider how this situation reflects on the state's ability to protect its citizens and ensure equitable access to resources.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G): 1. It aims to provide pucca houses with basic amenities to all houseless and those living in dilapidated houses in rural areas. 2. The scheme was launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. 3. The Awaas+ survey is used to identify eligible beneficiaries under PMAY-G. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.1 and 3 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: PMAY-G aims to provide pucca houses with basic amenities to all houseless and those living in dilapidated houses in rural areas. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The scheme was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Rural Development, not in 2014 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Awaas+ survey is indeed used to identify eligible beneficiaries under PMAY-G.

2. In the context of internal displacement, which of the following statements is correct? A) Internal displacement refers to the movement of people across international borders due to conflict or natural disasters. B) Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are primarily protected by international refugee law. C) The responsibility for protecting and assisting IDPs lies primarily with their own government. D) Internal displacement is solely caused by natural disasters and not by conflict or violence.

  • A.A
  • B.B
  • C.C
  • D.D
Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is correct: The responsibility for protecting and assisting IDPs lies primarily with their own government. This is a fundamental principle of international humanitarian law. Option A is incorrect: Internal displacement occurs within national borders, while refugees cross international borders. Option B is incorrect: IDPs are protected by their own governments and relevant national laws, not primarily by international refugee law. Option D is incorrect: Internal displacement can be caused by conflict, violence, human rights violations, and natural disasters.

3. Which of the following ministries is primarily responsible for the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G)?

  • A.Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
  • B.Ministry of Rural Development
  • C.Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
  • D.Ministry of Finance
Show Answer

Answer: B

The Ministry of Rural Development is primarily responsible for the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). This ministry oversees the scheme's operations, including beneficiary selection, fund allocation, and monitoring of construction progress. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is responsible for the urban component of the PMAY scheme (PMAY-Urban).

Source Articles

Centre approves construction of 5,000 houses for people displaced by Manipur violence - The Hindu

The Hindu·25 Feb 2026

Centre approves construction of 5,000 houses for displaced people in Manipur - The Hindu

The Hindu·25 Feb 2026
RS

About the Author

Richa Singh

Social Issues Enthusiast & Current Affairs Writer

Richa Singh writes about Social Issues at GKSolver, breaking down complex developments into clear, exam-relevant analysis.

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