Amid curfew, 1.25L litres of milk distributed in city, says Milkfed

Jalandhar, March 26

After setting up a control room, deputing 40 employees and streamlining the services of 580 distributors and retailers, the Verka Milk Plant today distributed 1.25 lakh litres of milk in the city amid curfew, which was imposed to contain the widespread of Covid-19.

Besides milk, the cooperative body also supplied one tonne of paneer and 9,000 kg of curd on the doorsteps of residents. Though the volume of milk distributed today is little less than the average volume of 1.35 lakh litres milk distributed in the city in normal days, officials say achieving this level was in itself a Herculean task.

Milkfed MD Rupinder S Sekhon: “Our entire supply was through distributors and retailers, most of whom had set up milk bars and shops from where customers were themselves taking supplies. Some of them, however, had engaged people for home delivery through their own vehicles in selective areas. But since the curfew has been imposed, the entire supply for home delivery as the shops and counters are closed.”

He added: “We have set up a control room and calls are handled by the staff. They note down the demand, address and contact details of the caller and accordingly forward the demand to the retailers concerned who make the supply.”

He even shared his own number 9872301121 and that of his colleague 7226822222, adding that customers could text messages on Whatsapp on either of the two numbers with their demand, their address and phone number. “The message will be forwarded in a Whatsapp group of the retailers and distributors for timely home delivery by the respective person,” he added.

Sekhon said: “We are even using our own vehicles and sending staff who are further taken by the distributors and retailers as they know the addresses of regular customers of Verka.”

A few days ago, Cooperation Minister Sukhjinder Randhawa had asked the Milkfed officials to keep the supply of milk steady even during lockdowns and curfew and facilitate the consumers. — TNS

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