India has recently made strides towards supporting the returnees from Bangladesh who’ve been displaced. This aid comes in the form of 250 pre-fabricated houses provided by India’s government. This action is part of the Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP), aiming to assist the Myanmar government in constructing housing infrastructure for the displaced Rohingyas, a minority Muslim group. This program extends beyond housing, covering areas, including education, health, agriculture, agro-processing, community development sectors and associated training. This initiative became necessary following the departure of more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar’s Rakhine state to neighboring Bangladesh in August 2017, leading to a significant refugee crisis.
India’s Contribution: The Pre-fabricated Houses
India has shown its commitment to alleviate these tough conditions by providing 250 pre-fabricated houses. These houses, produced under its Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP), are intended for the use of returnees from Bangladesh who have been displaced. The Indian government took up this project with the goal of assisting the government of Myanmar in accommodating displaced Rohingyas better.
The Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP)
Launched in late 2017, India signed the agreement for the Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP) with Myanmar. This was undertaken with the objective of helping the Myanmar government build housing infrastructure specifically targeting the Rohingyas – a minority Muslim group. However, the RSDP is not limited to housing, it includes systematic efforts spread over several domains.
Extended Areas of Focus
The agenda of RSDP goes beyond providing immediate shelter; it also covers the broader aspects of community development. This includes healthcare, education, agriculture and allied activities, agro-processing, along with training related to these areas. The goal is to facilitate a comprehensive socio-economic development to ensure sustainable growth.
The Trigger: The Rohingya Exodus
| Year | Number of Rohingya Muslims Fled | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | More than 700,000 | Bangladesh |
The Rohingya crisis, which started in August 2017, led to over 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing Myanmar’s Rakhine state. The neighbouring country, Bangladesh, received the majority of these displaced individuals, leading to a significant increase in their population and subsequently a massive refugee crisis.
Response to the Refugee Crisis
The Indian government’s efforts have been aimed at mitigating this crisis. The provision of pre-fabricated houses is just one of the many steps taken under the RSDP. Through these measures, India hopes to provide a more sustainable solution to this ongoing issue; a solution that not only presents immediate relief but also fosters long-term growth and development for the displaced Rohingya Muslims.