Manipur Switches to Cash Relief: Under New Policy, IDPs to Receive ₹84 Per Day and Buy Their Own Essentials

The Government of Manipur has announced a major shift in its relief policy for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), introducing a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system from November 1, 2025. Under the new arrangement, each displaced family will receive ₹84 per person per day directly in their bank accounts to manage their own daily needs.

The decision, outlined in Office Memorandum No. H-1701/114/2023-HD-HD issued by the Home Department, replaces the existing practice of distributing relief materials in kind. The move aims to ensure greater transparency and efficiency in relief management while giving families flexibility in meeting their own requirements.

Distribution of relief materials by the District Administration will end on October 31, 2025. From November onward, IDPs will be responsible for purchasing their own essentials such as rice, pulses, vegetables, oil, milk, and firewood or cooking gas. The District Administration will, however, continue to handle camp maintenance, electricity, and cleaning.

Deputy Commissioners have been directed to prepare a digitized list of all camp residents with verified identification documents and collect bank account details for the transfers. Special account-opening camps will be organized for those without bank accounts. Sub-Divisional Officers will act as Grievance Redressal Officers to address any issues related to the DBT process.

The memorandum was signed by Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, and N. Ashok Kumar, Commissioner (Home). Copies have been circulated to all Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and Deputy Commissioners.