Imphal: In a major effort to ease the hardships of Manipur’s residents, who have been facing prolonged unrest for over 16 months, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched an initiative to provide essential commodities at affordable prices. The program extends the Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar (KPKB) facilities to the general public of the state.
Initially established by the MHA in 2006, the KPKB system was designed to supply essential goods at concessional rates to active and retired personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Central Police Organizations (CPOs), and state police forces across India.
Given the ongoing turmoil in Manipur, the facility has now been expanded to serve the wider population, ensuring access to essential goods at fair prices despite the disruptions in travel and supply chains due to the unrest.
Ashok Kumar, Commissioner of Home, Government of Manipur, confirmed the MHA’s approval to extend KPKB services to the people. He emphasized that the move ensures a transparent and equitable distribution of essential commodities during this challenging period.
“Sixteen new outlets—eight in the valley and eight in the hill districts—have been added to the 21 existing KPKB locations. These outlets began supplying goods to the local population today,” said Ashok Kumar.
On the first day of operation, from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM, the KPKB outlets saw steady traffic, with residents purchasing daily necessities like soap, shampoo, detergent, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other essentials.
Sorokkaibam Inaocha Meitei, a customer at the new KPKB outlet in Lamlai, Imphal East, expressed gratitude for the initiative. “The prices of essentials have skyrocketed, and many items are scarce. This KPKB outlet ensures we can access these goods at lower prices. It’s a welcome move,” he said.
BSF Head Constable Kirori Mal, who manages the Lamlai outlet, reported brisk sales, with products worth Rs. 27,300 sold by midday on the first day. He noted the high demand for reasonably priced essentials.
To further assist the public, the state government has launched mobile sales units that offer essential items such as rice, potatoes, onions, pulses, cooking oil, and salt at 16 centers, starting September 15. This initiative will expand to district headquarters in Senapati, Kangpokpi, Noney, Tamenglong, Tengnoupal, Ukhrul, and Kamjong by September 18.
With the opening of KPKB outlets to the public and the deployment of mobile sales units, Manipur’s residents now have improved access to essential goods at concessional rates, helping to reduce their economic burden during the unrest. This initiative underscores the commitment of both the central and state governments to the welfare of Manipur’s people.
This positive development is expected to bring much-needed relief and contribute to the well-being of the state’s residents during these difficult times.
