A serious concern has been raised in Manipur over the non-distribution of government-provided free rice in Churachandpur district, despite official records showing that the supplies had already reached the area. The issue came to light after BJP Manipur Pradesh State Spokesperson Michael Lamjathang Thadou wrote a detailed letter to the Governor of Manipur, seeking immediate intervention.
In his letter, Thadou said that many residents of Churachandpur, especially ordinary and non-displaced families, have not been receiving their entitled quota of free rice under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and the National Food Security Act (NFSA). He pointed out that this problem has continued even during President’s Rule, increasing hardship for people who already live in difficult conditions.
According to him, the Government of India had extended PMGKAY benefits until December 2028, under which Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households are supposed to receive 35 kg of rice and Priority Household (PHH) families are entitled to 5 kg of rice per person every month at no cost. Thadou stated that additional allocations, including special conflict-relief rice given in 2023, had also been sent to the district. 
He noted that official papers and depot records show full lifting of rice by PDS agents. However, he alleged that these agents, who are selected through nominations made by elected representatives, have been maintaining proper documents on paper but failing to actually deliver the rice to beneficiaries. He described the situation as a gap between what is recorded and what is happening on the ground.
“People are still suffering even after the central government extended the free rice scheme. The rice is shown as fully lifted but does not reach the public. This raises serious questions about accountability,” Thadou wrote.
He requested the Governor to order an impartial inquiry into how PDS agents in Churachandpur are functioning. He asked for a full audit of stock movement, including lifting, transport, depot storage and household-level distribution from January 2023 onward. He also urged the administration to take immediate corrective steps so that every eligible family receives its full entitlement without obstruction.
Thadou said that many families in the district continue to depend heavily on government food schemes, especially after the conflict of 2023. He warned that the ongoing irregularities are causing deep mistrust among the public and placing vulnerable families at greater risk.
He added that proper intervention by the Governor would restore food security and help thousands who rely on these schemes for their daily survival. “This is an urgent matter and needs immediate action,” he wrote, expressing hope that the administration would act quickly.
