The Manipur government has announced a compensation package of ₹13.3 crore to support 2,072 farmers affected by the ongoing ethnic violence in the state.
This decision comes as the region has faced a 17-month-long period of unrest, which has severely impacted the agricultural sector and the livelihoods of many residents.
Officials stated that this compensation has been approved by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya following a recommendation from the state government.
The financial assistance is part of Phase II of the ‘Compensatory Crop Package,’ aimed at providing relief to farmers whose crops and lands have been adversely affected by the ongoing turmoil.
N. Ashok Kumar, the state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, issued a notification highlighting the government’s commitment to easing the hardships faced by these farmers during the current crisis. Many of the affected farmers rely heavily on agriculture for their income, making timely support crucial to their survival.
The situation in Manipur has been dire, with the Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, indicating that the agricultural sector has suffered greatly. Farmlands belonging to around 5,554 farmers have been impacted, jeopardising their means of livelihood.
The government has also taken steps to ensure the safety of farmers during their activities in the fields, providing necessary security measures.
In addition to the compensation for farmers, the state government is introducing the Manipur Startup scheme, which aims to bolster entrepreneurship in the region.
Under this initiative, eligible business owners seeking to expand their operations can receive financial support of up to ₹10 lakh from the Chief Minister's Entrepreneurship Support Scheme (CMESS) during the 2024-25 financial year.
The first phase of this scheme aims to benefit around 5,000 entrepreneurs. The Planning Department has already identified 17 sample projects that can be financed with a project cost of up to ₹10 lakh.
The funding model for this scheme is designed to be supportive and accessible, comprising 65% loan, 30% subsidy, and 5% margin money.
The loans will be collateral-free, protected under the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) and the Manipur Credit Guarantee Scheme (MCGS).
The ethnic violence in Manipur has taken a heavy toll on the community, with reports indicating that over 230 people have lost their lives since the conflict began.
Furthermore, approximately 11,133 houses have been set ablaze, and 4,569 homes have been completely destroyed. The police have registered 11,892 cases related to the violence that erupted in May last year, indicating the scale of unrest and the ongoing challenges faced by the state.
To address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the violence, the state government has established 302 relief camps, providing shelter to approximately 59,414 internally displaced persons. These efforts underscore the government’s commitment to supporting the affected population and restoring stability in the region.
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