IDP body asks Govt to restore ration assistance
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 29 2026: The IDPs Welfare Committee Churachandpur (IDPWCC) has urged the Government to restore Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ration assistance for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and expedite relief and rehabilitation of non-camped IDPs.

The committee, in a press note, stated that the 'decision of the State Government' to discontinue ration assistance before ensuring their full rehabilitation and permanent resettlement is unjust, premature and inconsistent with its Constitutional, humanitarian and legal obligations towards citizens who continue to suffer the conse- quences of prolonged displacement.

More than three years after the outbreak of violence, thousands of IDPs remain unable to return to their homes and continue to live in temporary shelters or other insecure arrangements, it said, emphasising that these families have lost homes, livelihoods, property and access to normal social and economic life.

In these circumstances, the IDPWCC said that the 'withdrawal' of essential food assistance places an additional and avoidable burden on those who remain among the most vulnerable sections of society.

It added that the Government's own official report, "Various Housing Scheme Components for IDPs" dated 21 May last, conclusively demonstrates that rehabilitation and resettlement remain far from complete.

According to the Government, 3000 prefabricated temporary shelters continue to house displaced families, confirming that thousands of IDPs remain dependent on temporary accommodation, it said.

Moreover, the committee said that financial assistance of Rs 51.95 crore has been released for 885 beneficiaries under the Permanent Housing Support Scheme.

However, only 231 houses have been completed, while 556 houses remain under construction, leaving hundreds of families without permanent housing, it said.

It also said that financial assistance for fully burnt houses and partially damaged houses continues to be released in instalments, demonstrating that the reconstruction of damaged houses remains unfinished.

Saying that 12,000 houses have been sanctioned under the PMAY-G Housing Support Scheme, including an additional 5,000 houses for 2026-27, the IDPWCC said that construction of houses and financial disbursement, however, are still ongoing.

The Government cannot reasonably declare the relief phase to be over when displaced families are still unable to rebuild their lives with dignity and security, it said.

Equally concerning is the continuing delay in extending relief and rehabilitation to many non-camped IDPs despite repeated representations and the persistence of their humanitarian needs, the Committee emphasised.

The IDPWCC further stated that the High Court of Manipur had recognised these concerns and directed the competent authorities to examine the representations submitted on behalf of the non-canped IDPs from a pan India perspective and provide a detailed response regarding the measures taken.

It demanded strict implementation of the High Court's directive by ensuring timely, transparent and meaningful consideration of the grievances of the non-camped IDPs.

The Committee also urged the Government to continue the DBT ration assistance for all eligible IDPs until they are fully rehabilitated and permanently resettled.

The IDPWCC further urged the Government to release all pending relief assistance, housing support and rehabilitation benefits without further delay.

Saying that the dignity and survival of thousands of displaced citizens demand immediate and meaningful action, the committee further urged the Government to adopt a transparent rehabilitation policy that guarantees equal access to relief and rehabilitation benefits to every IDP.

Relief assistance is not an act of charity, it added.

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