PDS Rice Arrived at Tokpaching, After Six Months Struggle

Imphal, October 29th, 2021

Villagers of Tokpaching Laimamg Chandon Pokpi Leikai (Ward No. 9/1) and Heidroipokpi Leikai (Ward No. 9/2) of Arong Nongmaikhong Gram Panchayat, Kakching District, never got their full entitlement of five kilograms of rice under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 nor the similar amount under the Prime Minister’s Garib Kalyan Aana Yojna (PMGKAY). When they started demanding the full amount, the supply had totally stopped since April 2021. Thereafter the villagers came together under the banner of Joint Action Committee (JAC) Tokpaching and put up a brave fight for their right.

As per the Manipur Food Security Rules, 2019 a formal complaint was filed to the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Kakchi on 5.07.2021 in the prescribed FORM NO. 3, proforma for lodging complaints/grievances. But as no action was taken, so on 8.07.2021 JAC petitioned the MHRC. Following the MHRC questioning, the DC Kakching submitted an ineligible and fabricated enquiry report on 31.07.2021, listing 110 beneficiaries. JAC promptly identifying the errors in the official report and submitted the correct number of beneficiaries.

On 13.09.2021 MHRC made a visit to the DC Kakching where the officials claimed that the irregularity is due to non-linking of Aadhar card and Priority Household card-holders. Thereafter the MHRC passed an order directing the DC and District Supply Officer, Kakching to ensure that the required rice be distributed to all the illegible beneficiaries as per the requirement of NFSA and PMGKAY and to submit the compliance report to MHRC on 7.10.2021. The petitioner again promptly submitted the list of Aadhar linked beneficiaries who have not yet received the PDS items from April 2021.

The DC and DSO did not distribute the PDS items nor do they submit the compliance report to MHRC. Four days after the dateline was crossed, on 11.10.2021 JAC submitted an application to initiate legal proceedings against willful disobedience of MHRC’s recommendation. However, the MHRC, instead of taking action against the erring authorities, caved in to their pressure and liberally allowed the compliance report to be filed on 29.10.2021.

The villagers had done everything to satisfy the MHRC at considerable cost of both time and money, but the slow progress and its overall insensitive attitude have tested the patience of villagers. The JAC, therefore, organized a press conference at Tokpaching on 22 October 2021. But even as the press conference was progressing, a police team led by the officer-in-charge of Arong Nongmaikhong Police Station dispersed that gathering on the pretext that it violates COVID protocol.

The incident has clearly infuriated the already indignant villagers and this mood was widely reflected in the local media, including the social media. It seem such bad publicity has caused much embarrassment to the authorities concerned, as hectic negotiation followed suit, where the JAC stood firm for their rights and entitlement.

The good news is today morning 160 bags of rice arrived at Tokpaching. Finally, after a long struggle the villages got what is rightfully theirs – five kilograms of rice.

HRA heartily congratulate the brave villagers of Tokpaching!

(Babloo Loitongbam)
Executive Director
Human Rights Alert
Kwakeithel Thiyam Leikai
Imphal – 795001, Manipur, India