Posers raised over viability of policy to aid IDPs
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 12 2024: Despite government assurance to procure products made by internal ly displaced persons (IDPs) staying in relief camps, only a handful of departments are actively involved in the initiative, raising concerns over the effectiveness of the policy.

The initiative, launched by chief minister N Biren on September 18, introduced the 'Panthoibi' brand for handloom and handicraft products made by the IDPs.

The initiative, overseen by Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation Limited, offers a product package priced at Rs 1100 for soap, dishwash, detergent powder, candles, sanitation products, and incense sticks.

However, reports suggest that except for around 20, other government departments are either unaware of the policy or refusing to purchase the product packages.

The corporation has so far procured items worth around Rs 80 lakh, but has only been able to sell about one-fourth of the total stock.

Under the policy, government departments are to purchase the products for official use from their office expenses instead of sourcing them from the market.

There is no mandate for employees to buy the products for personal use.

The procurement policy was formalised through an office memorandum issued by the chief secretary via the finance department on May 25 .

The memorandum designated Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation Limited and Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission as the nodal agencies responsible for procuring products of the IDPs.

A day earlier, on May 24, GAD secretary Michael Achom issued an order directing all government offices to support the displaced people by purchasing their products for office use.

While this initiative aims to provide financial succour to the displaced people, reluctance of some government departments and offices to comply has cast doubt on the policy's overall viability.

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