Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu chaired a review meeting on Saturday in Imphal to assess ongoing projects under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India. The meeting included departmental evaluations of initiatives executed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO), and the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC).
During the meeting, officials showcased the development of various centrally sponsored schemes in Manipur. Notably, they discussed progress under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U) 2.0, aimed at creating garbage-free cities and promoting public hygiene. The review focused on solid waste management, used water management, and public toilet projects.
In regard to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U), it was reported that only the Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) component is currently active in the state. Challenges were highlighted in implementing PMAY-U 1.0, launched in June 2015, including rising construction costs affecting beneficiary contributions and delays linked to Management Information System (MIS) updates. The PMAY-U 2.0, launched in September 2024, is set to be executed over the next five years.
The review also examined the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), which is concluding. Officials reported establishing 3,535 self-help groups (SHGs), providing skill training for 10,734 individuals, and securing job placements for 9,666 beneficiaries. Furthermore, over 20,000 street vendors have been identified, with approximately 14,000 certificates of vending issued.
Following DAY-NULM, the new Deendayal Jan Aajeevika Yojana–Shehari (DJAY-S) has been initiated, resulting in the formation of 21 SHGs, establishment of bank accounts, and release of revolving funds. Local-level camps for verifying SHGs and area-level federations have also taken place.
Additionally, the PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM-SVANidhi) scheme aims to offer collateral-free loans to street vendors, though challenges related to insufficient market access have limited participation.
Under the Imphal Smart City Mission, 21 projects have been completed, with four still in progress. Officials cited ongoing security issues and consecutive years of flooding as primary reasons for delays, requesting an extension until September 2026.
The Town Planning Department provided an overview of AMRUT 2.0, which seeks to enhance water security in cities. A total of 27 towns across six districts have been identified, with 66 projects approved, addressing water supply, water body rejuvenation, oxygen parks, and rainwater harvesting. Additionally, tree planting initiatives and women-led environmental projects are underway under the AMRUT Mitra sub-scheme.
In his address, Sahu mentioned the Prime Minister’s transformative vision for the North-East and emphasized the necessity for close collaboration between state and central governments. He called for officials to clearly outline barriers to execution and submit written feedback on schemes requiring additional attention. He also noted that it is possible to raise concerns about delays in PMAY-U 1.0, even as PMAY-U 2.0 progresses.
Senior officials from various state departments and organizations, including the Imphal Smart City Mission, attended the meeting. Later, the Union Minister visited the Nongpok Torban Development Project, discussing the future of urban development in Manipur.
