Extended lockdown gives tough time to small time NGOs

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 15

As the Indian Government extended the countrywide lockdown till May 3, many NGOs are now staring at shortage of money to prepare free food for the underprivileged populace of Chandigarh.

The first phase of 21-day countrywide lockdown was started on March 25, and since then many NGOs have extended their help. But now, when the lockdown is further extended to 19 days, they are looking either for stopping the production or cut short the quantity.

“It’s a bit difficult to run a free food service for straightaway 40 days for a small time NGO like us, but those headed by politicians get easy donations. We have been managing donations from youngsters, but since they are also under tremendous pressure, I don’t think we will be able to continue,” said an NGO member requesting anonymity. Interestingly, the NGOs run by politicians in Chandigarh, are providing food to their strongholds so to get into the good books of their future voters. “We just cannot blame anyone in this. Some people are doing it for a noble cause, while some are doing for the sake of it. In the first week of the lockdown, there was repetition in serving as both UT Administration and the NGO/group served twice at the same venue,” said another member.

UT Adm ensures serving 55000 food packets daiy

Even if NGOs started to pull back, the UT Administration ensured to serve 55000 packets of food on daily basis. However, the exact number of underprivileged population is still not known. “We have been working on this since day one. The area Station House Officer (SHO) collected all the data, which was further scrutinized by the area SDMs. As per the given instruction, we have been given the task of preparing food,” said Tejdeep Singh Saini (Director Sports), who is heading food operations in Chandigarh. While talking about the help of NGOs, Saini said: “We cannot stop anyone for providing even a minutest of the help. Nearly 80% of supply from the NGOs/ volunteers get distributes through our network, this was decided to avoid repetition of food, while there are very few who serve the food directly.” The UT Administration has set up three kitchens— Burail Central Jail, Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management (Sector 42) and Red Cross Society—to prepare both lunch and dinner for the needy persons. “We have been preparing 55000 packets on daily basis. In simple terms, we are completing the demand provided by SDMs,” said Saini. When asked about long queues in Sector 52 colony, Saini ensured to come up with more serving platforms to avoid hassle. However, on visiting the site, it was also observed that many people were coming from Mohali. “As I told, we cannot stop anyone from queuing up for food. If there are people from Mohali, we will serve them too,” added Saini.

63000 to get benefit under PMGKY

Reports also suggested that as many approximately 63000 families in Chandigarh will be provided raw material under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY). Vinod P Kavle, Secretary Food and Supply, stated that distribution of wheat and pulses has started. Around 3,000 families have already been provided with their quota of wheat and pulses in the areas like Ram Darbar Phase-I, Behlana, Kaimbwala, Kishangarh, Shanti Nagar, Vikas Nagar. “Wheat and pulses distribution to eligible beneficiaries started in Chandigarh. A many as 63613 families will get at doorsteps,” said UT Adviser Manoj Parida.