Imphal: The Manipur government on Friday launched a Mobile Canteen Initiative run by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) for school students at New Model Public School, Kumbi, in the southern Bishnupur district.
During the launch, Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur, Pooja Elangbam, described the mobile canteen as a commendable initiative that would benefit the IDPs by providing them with a source of income through the sale of food items at schools.
She added that the mobile canteen facility will be extended to all schools across the district, with the program formally starting at Kumbi.
The mobile canteen will provide students with access to tasty and nutritious meals whenever it is set up, benefiting both the students and the IDPs.
The canteen is expected to operate in schools two to three times a week, depending on the demand of each school.
During the launch program, the Deputy Commissioner also interacted with the students and encouraged them to study diligently and remain focused, emphasizing that these formative years will never return.
She remarked that with determination and the will to excel, students can achieve success in whatever they aspire to do.
Reports indicate that approximately 10,000 IDPs are currently residing in various relief camps across the Bishnupur district.
They were displaced following the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, 2023, which has resulted in over 260 deaths and the displacement of around 60,000 people.