Youth Rise for Change mobilises 36 Manipur villages, exposes JJM corruption

The Youth Rise for Change (YR4C) has concluded an extensive 36-village outreach campaign across the Senapati district, mobilising local communities in a renewed fight against corruption and raising awareness on large-scale irregularities in government projects, particularly the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and North East Development Budget (NDB) schemes.

The village visits, which covered eight Mao areas including Shajouba, Makhel, Kaibi, Tobupfii, R.Solephe, Chowainu, Pudunamei and Song Song, revealed widespread gaps in information, consultation, and transparency. According to YR4C, a majority of village authorities, women leaders and youth groups had little or no knowledge of sanctioned water supply projects, allowing implementing agencies and PHED officials to manipulate records and report incomplete work as fully executed.

A major concern highlighted during the campaign was the absence of community participation during the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). Villagers were not consulted on household counts or infrastructure requirements, leading to what YR4C called a “massive mismatch” between sanctioned funds and actual needs, especially concerning functional household tap connections (FHTC).

In Makhel, women spoke emotionally about years of hardship without clean drinking water despite repeated assurances under JJM. “We’ve been waiting for so long, fetching water from distant sources, struggling to make ends meet,” said one woman, expressing both frustration and hope as youth from YR4C amplified their concerns. The team reported a strong emotional response from residents who felt relieved that their grievances were finally being acknowledged.

Villages such as Makhel, Tobupfii, Pudunamei and Song Song showed particularly strong engagement, with elders and women pledging unified support to the YR4C movement. In Song Song, local leaders voiced resolute determination to confront corruption. “We will no longer be fooled by false promises and corrupt practices. It’s time to take back our rights and demand accountability from our leaders,” said a village authority member, describing the community’s resolve to monitor and demand transparency in ongoing JJM works.

YR4C said the momentum gained from the 36-village mobilisation marks a significant step towards building a grassroots anti-corruption movement in Manipur’s hill districts. The team urged citizens across the state to stand together against misuse of public funds and insist on accountability in every government project.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to continue empowering indigenous communities, promoting transparent governance, and ensuring that development benefits reach the last mile. “Together, we can create a corruption-free society and secure inclusive development for all,” YR4C said in its appeal to the public.