Feb 23, 2025: To support internally displaced persons (IDPs) in relief camps, the Imphal East district administration distributed bicycles to students and looms to women weavers. The initiative was undertaken under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme of POWERGRID Corporation of India Limited and the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
The distribution event at Panchayat Bhavan, DC Office Complex, Porompat, was attended by Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, who acknowledged the hardships faced by IDPs due to the prolonged conflict. He assured improved efficiency in aid distribution and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring timely support. He also commended officials, civil servants, and police personnel for their dedication.
Deputy Commissioner Khumanthem Diana Devi stated that Imphal East currently houses 3,500 IDPs across 17 relief camps, along with 1,394 individuals in 400 pre-fabricated housing units. She noted that 293 families have returned to their villages due to improved security conditions. She emphasized that the event aimed to reduce transportation costs for students and support sustainable livelihoods for displaced families.
A total of 146 looms with accessories were distributed under NHDP, while POWERGRID provided 300 bicycles and 150 additional looms for displaced students and weavers. Officials from various departments, including Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar, POWERGRID Chief General Manager M.S. Dutt, Weavers Service Centre Deputy Director Priyadarshi Daripa, Imphal East SP Rakesh Balwal, and ADC N. Johnson Meetei, attended the programme.
