MHA KPKB Initiative And State Government's Mobile Sale Units Brings Relief to Manipur with Affordable Essential Goods
Source: Waari Singbul Network *
Imphal, September 17 2024:
In a significant step toward addressing the challenges faced by the people of Manipur, who have been enduring prolonged unrest for over 16 months, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, has launched a program to provide essential commodities at affordable prices.
The initiative involves extending the Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar (KPKB) facilities to the general population of the state.
Originally introduced by the MHA in 2006, the KPKB system was designed to supply essential goods at concessional prices to serving and retired personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Central Police Organizations (CPOs), and state police forces across India.
In light of the ongoing turmoil in Manipur, the facility has now been extended to benefit the local population, ensuring that essential goods are available at fair prices, despite the restrictions on travel and supplies caused by the unrest.
Ashok Kumar, Commissioner of Home, Government of Manipur, confirmed the approval by the MHA to extend KPKB services to the people of Manipur.
He emphasized that this step has been taken to maintain a transparent and equitable supply of essential commodities to the public during these difficult times.
"There are 16 new outlets - 8 each in the valley and hill districts - established in addition to the 21 existing KPKB outlets in the state.
These outlets have already started supplying goods to the local population as of today," Ashok Kumar stated.
On the first day of operation, from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM, the KPKB outlets saw a steady flow of people buying daily necessities such as soap, shampoo, detergent, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other essential items.
Sorokkaibam Inaocha Meitei, a customer at the newly opened KPKB outlet in Lamlai, Imphal East, expressed his gratitude for the initiative, particularly given the challenges posed by the ongoing unrest.
"Prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed, and many items are scarce.
This new KPKB outlet ensures easy access to essential goods at lower prices than in the market.
It is a highly commendable move," he said.
BSF head constable, Kirori Mal, managing the Lamlai outlet, reported brisk sales, with products worth Rs.27,300 sold by midday on the first day.
He highlighted the high demand among the public for reasonably priced essentials.
To further support the people of Manipur, the state government has also launched mobile sales units, providing essential items such as rice, potatoes, onions, pulses, cooking oil, and salt in 16 centers starting September 15.The initiative will be expanded to district headquarters in Senapati, Kangpokpi, Noney, Tamenglong, Tengnoupal, Ukhrul, and Kamjong by September 18 .
With the opening of KPKB outlets to the public and the additional mobile sales units, the people of Manipur now have much-needed access to essential goods at concessional rates, easing their economic burden amid the unrest.
This initiative reflects both the central and the State Governments' commitment to the welfare of the people of Manipur, ensuring their access to affordable commodities during these challenging times.
This positive development promises to bring tangible relief to the people and reinforce efforts toward the upliftment and welfare of the state's residents.
* The sender of this news can be contacted at waarisingbul(AT)gmail(DOT)com .
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