Displaced families in Imphal East return allowance after ration cut from Rs 100 to Rs 84 under new DBT Scheme

Hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltered at the Sajiwa and Sawombung relief camps in Imphal East on November 5 staged a strong protest against the government’s new Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for ration allowances, returning their entire November month allocation amounting to ₹11,74,320.

The protest erupted after the introduction of the DBT scheme reportedly reduced the ration allowance meant for purchasing rice from ₹20 to just ₹4 per person. Agitated IDPs stormed the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) at Sawombung, condemning the government’s move as “insensitive and insulting.”

When they found the SDO absent, the IDPs engaged with available staff and later handed over the total amount of ₹11,74,320 — the November allowance for 466 displaced persons — to the Sub-Deputy Collector (SDC).

Speaking to reporters, IDP representative Koijam Sarat Meitei said the allowance per person had been cut from ₹100 to ₹84 after the introduction of the DBT system on November 1. Earlier, ₹20 was earmarked for 400 grams of rice, but now, only ₹4 has been allocated for the same purpose. “Where can we possibly buy rice with ₹4? This is nothing but an insult to our struggle,” he said.

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He added that the decision to return the allowance was symbolic of their frustration, as the amount was inadequate to sustain them. The IDPs urged the state government to take corrective measures within 10 days — either by supplying rice directly or by revising the financial allocation — failing which they demanded arrangements for their return to their native places.

A similar demonstration was held at the Mandop Yumpham Relief Camp in Khurkhul, where a large group of displaced persons staged a sit-in protest against the reduced ration funds.

The protests highlight growing discontent among displaced families who continue to face hardship months after being uprooted by the ongoing conflict in Manipur.