The FREE NFSA rice crisis in times of pandemic COVID-19 in Manipur – challenges ahead

NS Hemam *

It all began with an announcement by state government (Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh) that every household would be provided 5 kg of FREE rice per head or 20 kg per family.

There was a big uproar in every corner, starting from CSOs to MLAs, concerning ambiguity and impracticality of the announcement given the existing huge deficit in NFSA card coverage. Subsequently, a few days later, it was ultimately climbed down to a minimum of 4 kg/head or 20 kg of rice/family having 5 members or above.

The main issues were –
1) was the FREE rice meant only for NFSA card holders?
2) Given the limited/fixed quantity of NFSA rice, how would one cover all individuals with NO NFSA card?
3) How could non - NFSA card holders be left out in a distress situation like COVID-19 crisis?

As there were no fixed guidelines of the directive, individual constituency/area took different approach or strategy for rice distribution.

On the hindsight, it would have been more prudent had the modalities been worked out first and the announcement was made later. Since the announcement of 4kg/individual was made by none other than Hon’ble CM, the most respected and revered person in the state, distribution of FREE rice became a public spectacle as there were huge shortages of rice in all constituencies.

The more unfortunate part was – the real issue of COVID-19 was kept sidelined for days. Moirang AC was no exception.

Experience of Moirang AC

Given the unpleasant acrimony of COVID-19 free rice distribution in the state, it was felt that a ‘reality check’ with a few places/constituencies would throw some insights and make corrective steps for future distribution.

With this objective in mind, the facts and figures of Free Distribution of rice in Moirang AC, is shared for public analysis and suggestion. Sharing of such details from other constituencies would help in clearing the whole misconception and misunderstanding circling around COVID-19 Free Rice distribution.

Moirang AC has one of the lowest percentages of households covered under NFSA. The total percentage is 72.5% only (as per the records of rationing agents) and there also exists a wide variation within the constituency (among different wards/localities).

For instance, some urban and rural areas have reached the upper limit of 87% coverage while some others have less than 60%. The average NFSA coverage is only 72%, well below the minimum limit of 87% coverage. The total quantity of rice of Moirang AC is 2081 quintals for 8189 NFSA card holders.

COVID-19 Free Rice Distribution - Moirang AC *
March 2020

* the figures are compiled from primary data submitted by ward-wise distribution committees, comprising of elected representatives, local clubs/CSOs, local leaders, etc. and secondary data from District PDS Office.
**Card Holder Households include both Priority and AAY cards

As distribution of rice was done at the ward level, it was a nightmare situation for those having very low percentage of NFSA coverage with a fixed quota of NFSA rice.

On one hand the announcement of providing 4 kg/individual or a minimum of 20 kg/household with 5 members or more and to those having CMHT card holders made by Hon’ble CM raised expectation of common people, and on the other there was no corresponding increase in NFSA rice quota to accommodate the excess number of individuals/households.

There was also no extra rice for CMHT card holders. This resulted in a massive backlash to those who braved the COVID-19 risks and participated in FREE rice distribution.

The Kwakta Municipal Area has only 59% coverage under NFSA (978 households), but the total number of households given FREE RICE was 2019 households; a massive 106% increase in total number of housholds.

Similarly, in every ward/area there was an average increase of 70% or above. Having announced 4 kg/individual for everyone by Hon’ble CM, the NFSA rice had to be distributed equally to all households. At the end, the rice quota of 8189 NFSA households was shared among 14072 households of Moirang AC; a massive increase of 5783 households (or 71%).

Finally, different wards/areas had followed different mode of distribution – in some areas it was 15kg/households for all and in others it was 4kg/head or in some others it was 11kg/household, depending upon the total available rice and no of households/population.

As there was no corresponding increase in rice quantity, the NFSA card holders, especially the AAY families, were the worst hit. An AAY family with 2/3 member ended up getting a maximum of 12 kg, instead of allocated 35 kg of rice.

The government would need to seriously introspect – either it should increase the rice quota to meet the deficit households or allow the PDS agents to share equally among all households.

Estimated Deficit Rice of Moirang AC

The total population of Moirang AC as per 2011 census is 52133 persons. Assuming that the decadal population growth is at 20%, then the estimated population of Moirang AC would have reached 62500 persons.

Total Population and estimated Deficit Rice of Moirang AC

The total deficit rice Moirang AC @ 5 kg/person would therefore be around 1040 quintals (62500 persons * 5 kg). The present rice quota is 2081 quintals and the estimated rice required would be 3125 quintals. Therefore, the estimated rice deficit is above 1000 quintals.

Poorest of the poor bear the brunt

NFSA rice was meant for those Priority Households (previous below poverty line) and AAY households. After the announcement of Hon’ble CM (COVID-19), the NFSA rice meant for poor and very poor households was being distributed to feed one and all (rich and poor).

Now the poorest of the poor were forced to share their NFSA share of rice without any appreciation and recognition. The government must take steps to compensate the poor, and increase the NFSA rice quota to cover the non-card holder households.

A few suggestions

The state government would therefore need to develop a clear action plan for FREE rice distribution and address the following issues in the process:
1. Are NFSA card holders going to get their given quota of rice?
2. Clear guidelines for – quantity of rice/head, eligibility, etc.
3. The issue of deficit rice – if 100% coverage to be followed, extra rice needs to be allocated first.
4. It would be prudent to keep a margin of 10% extra to accommodate floating population, migrant laborers, those living in rents, non-Manipuris, etc.