New Delhi: Highlighting that Manipur has been reeling under an “extraordinary crisis” for 21 months, with “hundreds” of lives lost and 50,000-60,000 people internally displaced, a parliamentary panel has recommended that the govt establish a dedicated special committee with a separate programme to address the concern of displaced women and children in the state.
The department-related committee on education, women, children, youth and sports led by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh has suggested that this initiative should ensure direct monitoring and transparent delivery of assistance to prevent misuse.
“Also, special provisions must be made for the education of displaced children, healthcare for lactating mothers, and employment alternatives for affected women to rebuild their lives. Steps must be taken to safeguard women and children in relief camps from sexual violence,” the committee has suggested to the women and child development ministry.
It noted that a significant portion of those affected in Manipur are women and children, who have been rendered homeless, deprived of basic necessities, and left in extreme distress. “Their access to nutrition, education and healthcare has been severely disrupted. These children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and elderly women are facing immense hardship, leading to grave psychological and social consequences. The absence of economic opportunities has further deepened the despair,” the committee observed.
It said while the government has taken many steps to support victims, but more needs to be done.