FOR MANY YEARS, residents in Ukhrul have been taking their paddy to nearby mills, where owners charge a fixed amount per tin and keep the husk as payment. Although this system has continued out of habit and tradition, increasing financial pressure on households has encouraged many people to question whether this practice is fair or still relevant today.
To explore this issue more closely, I conducted a survey on residents of different localities across Ukhrul town. The responses showed that most people pay Rs 20 per tin for milling, an amount many feel has slowly increased over the years. However, the money itself was not the main concern. What troubled most respondents was that mill owners also take the husk along with the fee. Because of this, many families felt that they were paying twice for the same service, which naturally led to a sense of dissatisfaction and unfairness.
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This feeling among the residents becomes stronger considering the actual usefulness of rice husk. Although husk may appear to be a simple by product, it is widely used in Ukhrul for fuel, bedding for poultry and piggery, and for composting. In several places in Northeast India, a 20 kilogram bag of husk even sells for Rs 30 to 70. This shows that husk has real value and is not something to be taken lightly. When mill owners keep the husk, families especially those with lower income lose access to a resource that could have supported their daily household needs.
During the survey, many respondents also pointed out that keeping the byproducts is not just a traditional practice but a source of extra income for mill owners. In many parts of India, rice mills commonly keep husk, bran and broken rice because they can sell these items in the market. Because of this, residents feel that mill owners benefit from both the money they collect and the husk they take. This double advantage makes the community feel that the system is more favourable to the owners than to the people who depend on the service.
The issue appears even more serious when we look at how milling technology has changed. Most mills in Ukhrul now use electric milling machines, which are much cheaper to operate than older diesel based mills. Electric mills reduce fuel expenses and require less maintenance. This means the cost of running a mill today is lower than it used to be. However, even with reduced expenses, mill owners continue to take both the milling fee and the husk. Many residents feel that if costs have decreased for mill owners, then the burden on families should also reduce and not remain the same or become heavier.
Another important point that emerged from the study is that the double charging system is not common everywhere. In many other parts of India, rice mills follow a single charge system where the owner either takes the husk or collects a monetary fee but not both. Knowing that other regions already use a fairer method has given many people in Ukhrul more confidence that change is possible here as well.
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When asked who should be responsible for regulating milling charges, respondents shared different but constructive suggestions. Many feel that village councils should take the lead because they are close to the community and understand local concerns. Others suggest that the district administration or a rice millers association could provide more formal oversight. Some participants also mention that community groups and nongovernmental organisations could help spread awareness and ensure that mill owners follow a fair system. Good governance in this situation means creating a transparent and accountable system that protects the interests of ordinary citizens.
Taken together, these findings show that the issue of double charging is closely linked to larger questions of fairness, community welfare and the right to affordable basic services. With rising living costs and growing challenges for households, the old milling system no longer suits the current needs of the people. Many residents now hope for an officially fixed milling rate, clearly displayed in all rice mills, along with a single payment system that removes confusion and prevents misuse.
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As Ukhrul continues to grow socially and economically, the community’s call for fairness in essential services like rice milling reflects a deeper desire for justice and accountability. Through my study, it is evident that the people of Ukhrul are ready for a system that respects their needs, reduces unnecessary burden, and ensures fairness for all. It is now the responsibility of mill owners, village councils, and district authorities to respond sincerely and bring positive change to the community.
(The author, Mishangpam Ronra Shimray, is BA First Semester, Department of Political Science, St. Joseph’s College, Ukhrul, Manipur. The study entitled “Public Opinion and Survey Research” was conducted as part of the Skill Enhancement Course. This community based study was conducted to understand how the people of Ukhrul view the long-followed practice of double charging in local rice mills. The author can be reached at mishangpamrshimray@gmail.com).