Coronavirus Outbreak: Before extending lockdown, PDS universalisation, community kitchen expansion and cash grants are critical to prevent food riots
4 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus Outbreak: Before extending lockdown, PDS universalisation, community kitchen expansion and cash grants are critical to prevent food riots

Firstpost  

Only if the Centre steps in to universalise the public distribution system, will the time bomb of mounting hunger be truly defused. Last week, after a scuffle broke out in the food queue, three shelter homes in Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate packed like sardines with 10,000 stranded migrants, were set on fire. There are three essential components to at least prevent food riots: Universalise the Public Distribution System Only if the Centre steps in to universalise the public distribution system, will the time bomb of mounting hunger be truly defused. So far, the PM Garib Yojana provides additional free foodgrain only to those families with ration cards issued as per the National Food Security Act. Community kitchens in every panchayat As the Kerala government has recognised, many elderly, destitute people, migrants, differently-abled and homeless people are unable to cook in the present circumstances of the lockdown.

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History of this topic

Government’s ad hoc response to the migrant crisis did not take into account the reality of their lives
3 years, 5 months ago

Government’s ad hoc response to the migrant crisis did not take into account the reality of their lives

The Hindu  

THE COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global crisis. There are several challenges under the PDS, for instance, initially Bihar failed to disburse pulses to the marginalised communities targeted to be covered under PMGKY 2020 primarily because of unresolved issues between Bihar State Food and Civil Supplies Corporation and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. Firms with more than …

Will sell kidneys to get food for kids: Delhi's poor hit hard by Covid lockdown
3 years, 7 months ago

Will sell kidneys to get food for kids: Delhi's poor hit hard by Covid lockdown

India Today  

Delhi finally heaved a sigh of relief as fresh Covid cases dropped below 1,000. The coronavirus lockdown threw life out of gear for many - the poor in the national capital is finding it difficult to make ends meet with a lack of jobs, money and food. Sunita Kumari told India Today, "I used to do brooming and sweeping in …

Explained: How fresh Covid curbs may be a death knell for hospitality sector
3 years, 9 months ago

Explained: How fresh Covid curbs may be a death knell for hospitality sector

India Today  

It has been less than six months since the struggling hospitality sector found some footing after bearing the brunt of the strict nationwide lockdown for most parts of 2020. A few days ago, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India said the Maharashtra government’s decision to reimpose lockdown-like curbs could be a final blow for many establishments. The Hotel …

Despite Facing Hardships, Survey Shows Rural India Satisfied with Govt's Handling of Covid-19 Crisis
4 years, 4 months ago

Despite Facing Hardships, Survey Shows Rural India Satisfied with Govt's Handling of Covid-19 Crisis

News 18  

Despite suffering from severe distress caused by the Covid-19 induced lockdown, more than 74% people in rural areas across 23 states have expressed satisfaction with the handling of the crisis by the Union government, a survey conducted by Gaon Connection and Centre for the Study of Developing Societies has found. “We wanted to measure the extent of hardships people faced …

Foodbank charity warns of big spike in demand when coronavirus stimulus ends
4 years, 6 months ago

Foodbank charity warns of big spike in demand when coronavirus stimulus ends

ABC  

While some shoppers were panic buying — piling mountains of food and grocery staples into their supermarket trolleys — Perth resident Cyndi Blake was wondering what she could do to help those who couldn't put food on the table. Key points: Demand for food relief rose 78 per cent in May, compared to pre-COVID levels A further demand spike is …

Open with caution: The Hindu Editorial on Unlock 1
4 years, 7 months ago

Open with caution: The Hindu Editorial on Unlock 1

The Hindu  

It is a truth universally acknowledged now that the severe restrictions to contain COVID-19 produced traumatic displacement of the weakest sections, while the check on infection spread was modest. The Centre’s move for a phased unlocking of public activity after the rigorous lockdown since March 25 sets the stage for people to resume their jobs and undertake some travel. The …

Hunger, poverty and jobs: India's poor pay heavy price in fight against coronavirus
4 years, 7 months ago

Hunger, poverty and jobs: India's poor pay heavy price in fight against coronavirus

India Today  

More than two months have passed since the nationwide lockdown was put in place to fight the novel coronavirus. The sudden economic disruption triggered by the lockdown left almost 12 crore people in India — daily wager labourers, small shop owners, migrants — jobless in April, according to Centre For Monitoring Indian Economy. India’s poor need cash Public interest technologist …

FM says three meals a day being provided to urban homeless people, but plight of migrant workers under lockdown shows food security is a far cry
4 years, 7 months ago

FM says three meals a day being provided to urban homeless people, but plight of migrant workers under lockdown shows food security is a far cry

Firstpost  

Several recent reports have shown that with work drying up, inadequate food has been a major concern for most of the urban poor. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, listing out welfare measures taken till now to tide over the COVID-19 crisis, said on Thursday that three meals per day are being provided to urban homeless people at the Centre’s cost. The …

Coronavirus | Congress to wait for fine print of ₹20 lakh crore financial package
4 years, 7 months ago

Coronavirus | Congress to wait for fine print of ₹20 lakh crore financial package

The Hindu  

Moments after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a financial package along with the extension of lockdown in a new form on Tuesday, the Congress said it would wait for the details for a detailed response but slammed Mr. Modi for the ‘lack of empathy’ towards migrant workers. Full coverage on coronavirus While Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the nation …

64 per cent of vulnerable households lack Jan Dhan A
4 years, 7 months ago

64 per cent of vulnerable households lack Jan Dhan A

New Indian Express  

FOLLOW CORONAVIRUS LIVE UPDATES HERE Jan Dhan was one of the measures to alleviate the economic crisis among the vulnerable sections owing to the lockdown - wherein Rs 500 was given to females with Jan Dhan accounts. Furthermore, the study revealed that just half of the rural and a third of the urban poor households received any cash transfers at …

Plea In SC Seeks Temporary Pan-Indian Community Kitchens At Block-Level Amidst COVID Lockdown
4 years, 8 months ago

Plea In SC Seeks Temporary Pan-Indian Community Kitchens At Block-Level Amidst COVID Lockdown

Live Law  

The Supreme Court has been moved in a plea seeking directions to the Centre and the states to set-up pan-India temporary community kitchens at the Block-level amid the pandemic of novel Coronavirus to ensure that no person is forced to sleep on an empty stomach in these trying times. The applicants, through Advocate Fuzail Ahmad Ayyubi and Ashima Mandla submits …

Global hunger could double due to coronavirus pandemic: UN
4 years, 8 months ago

Global hunger could double due to coronavirus pandemic: UN

Al Jazeera  

COVID-19 is likely to leave 130 million people acutely hungry this year, adding to 135 million already in the category. The number of people facing acute food insecurity could nearly double this year to 265 million due to the economic fallout of COVID-19, according to the United Nations World Food Programme. New report Tuesday’s fourth annual Global Report on Food …

Covid-19 lockdown: Postal department to step up delivery of food and essentials
4 years, 8 months ago

Covid-19 lockdown: Postal department to step up delivery of food and essentials

Hindustan Times  

To reach out to migrant workers and others in need, during the ongoing lockdown that has been extended till May 3; the postal department will step up its services in reaching out with food and essentials said people aware of the developments. During the nationwide lockdown that will end on May 3,the postal department has had to not just transport …

A narrowing window: The Hindu Editorial on extension of India coronavirus lockdown
4 years, 8 months ago

A narrowing window: The Hindu Editorial on extension of India coronavirus lockdown

The Hindu  

It appeared inevitable, and the Centre has accepted the view of several States to extend the national lockdown for the novel coronavirus until May 3. While announcing the extension, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke of incentivising areas that avert a spike in cases — over 10,000 nationally — through rigorous enforcement of the restrictions. Although the Home Ministry’s original 21-day …

India extends world’s biggest coronavirus lockdown till May 3
4 years, 8 months ago

India extends world’s biggest coronavirus lockdown till May 3

Al Jazeera  

PM Narendra Modi announces extension as the South Asian nation reports more than 10,000 cases and nearly 340 deaths. India’s nationwide coronavirus lockdown, the biggest in the world, will be extended until at least May 3, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said. https://t.co/26sVP2br5n — Narendra Modi April 14, 2020 Modi said some restrictions in areas further away from infection hotspots …

Coronavirus lockdown: How can the poor survive without cash in hands, asks Chidambaram
4 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus lockdown: How can the poor survive without cash in hands, asks Chidambaram

The Hindu  

Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday asked the Centre to explain how the poor could survive the lockdown without cash in hands. “If true, will the government please explain how the poor can survive the lockdown without cash in their hands to buy food and medicines. Interactive map of confirmed coronavirus cases in India “Centre won’t give money to …

Rural India Not Adequately Prepared to Deal With Coronavirus Pandemic: MS Swaminathan
4 years, 8 months ago

Rural India Not Adequately Prepared to Deal With Coronavirus Pandemic: MS Swaminathan

News 18  

The 21-day lockdown to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus in India triggered a mass reverse migration of labourers from cities across the country. To ease the burden of farmers and migrant workers, the Centre exempted agricultural operations during the lockdown and announced a 1.7 lakh crore relief package. Amid speculation that the central government may extend the lockdown …

Coronavirus outbreak will push a vast section deeper into poverty and hunger; governments must take these steps to ease suffering
4 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus outbreak will push a vast section deeper into poverty and hunger; governments must take these steps to ease suffering

Firstpost  

Despite the lockdown, state governments or the Union government should make special provisions to ensure that unemployed workers return home, either to be rid of the burden of paying extra for a roof, or to escape shelters and camps where an outbreak of COVID-19 could spread calamitously. The International Labour Organisation made public a report on 7 April in which …

Coronavirus lockdown | Choked supply lines to be cleared
4 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus lockdown | Choked supply lines to be cleared

The Hindu  

Stoppered supply lines with trucks waiting on highways, the ongoing harvest season and procurement of food grains in various parts of the country are some of the issues that will inform the kind of lockdown the country will continue to have post April 14. COVID-19 | Interactive map of confirmed coronavirus cases in India Government sources said that smoothening the …

India’s coronavirus relief plan may exclude millions: Activists
4 years, 8 months ago

India’s coronavirus relief plan may exclude millions: Activists

Al Jazeera  

Package offers free food for 800 million, but activists say few of them are registered with scheme or have documents. Tens of millions of Indians stand to see few benefits from a coronavirus relief package worth $22.6bn, economists and food rights activists say. Although India’s relief package promises free food for roughly 800 million beneficiaries, economists and activists say few …

Coronavirus pandemic: Govt considering another package after 15 April to minimise impact, says report
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus pandemic: Govt considering another package after 15 April to minimise impact, says report

Firstpost  

There have been discussions about a package but nothing has been finalised yet, the official said, adding that the idea is to revive consumption, “so some measures might be needed.” New Delhi: The government has started working out the possible post-lockdown scenarios and is considering another booster shot to minimize the impact of coronavirus and revive the economy but nothing …

Coronavirus Outbreak: Community-oriented initiatives, marked by efficiency and generosity, are helping society's most vulnerable
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus Outbreak: Community-oriented initiatives, marked by efficiency and generosity, are helping society's most vulnerable

Firstpost  

From Kanaga Varathan’s team in Tamil Nadu working for the trans community, to the support Caremongers have offered to the disabled and elderly, initiatives led by ordinary people have helped thousands to survive the lockdown put in place to counter the coronavirus pandemic Every time the world is hit by a disaster of any sort, there arises an army of …

Coronavirus lockdown: Meghalaya govt sanctions Rs 26.38cr to procure foodgrains
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus lockdown: Meghalaya govt sanctions Rs 26.38cr to procure foodgrains

India TV News  

The Meghalaya government has sanctioned Rs 26.38 crore for procuring 1.17 lakh quintals of foodgrains to address shortage issues in the market during the ongoing lockdown, a state minister said. Food and Civil Supplies minister James P K Sangma said that one of the biggest challenges was the disruption to the supply of essential food items under targeted public distribution …

India COVID-19 lockdown means no food or work for rural poor
4 years, 9 months ago

India COVID-19 lockdown means no food or work for rural poor

Al Jazeera  

Millions in underdeveloped regions face penury and deprivation as economic activity grinds to a halt due to lockdown. Mumbai, India – For farm worker Manisha Uke, being able to survive is contingent on two factors – one, getting a daily wage of 100 Indian rupees a day and two, receiving a widow’s monthly pension of 1,000 rupees from the government. …

From apathy to action
4 years, 9 months ago

From apathy to action

The Hindu  

In dealing with the health and economic crisis, the Central government’s apathy is disappointing. When other States also shut down schools and Anganwadis, the Supreme Court took suo motu notice of Kerala’s actions. Other relief measures include advance payment of social security pensions, free PDS ration, food packets for those who are not covered by the PDS and free bus …

Coronavirus | Amid the exodus, a plea for food, medicine, transport
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus | Amid the exodus, a plea for food, medicine, transport

The Hindu  

Feeding centres, medical care and sanitised transport services are needed to provide immediate relief to the lakhs of migrant workers stranded on roads, said an appeal to the Central government signed by 200 academics, economists, social activists, lawyers, retired bureaucrats and concerned citizens. Others, in desperation, are packing themselves in lorries, at the risk of contracting or spreading the virus.” …

Covid-19 lockdown: Social, religious groups join hands with govt to provide food to needy
4 years, 9 months ago

Covid-19 lockdown: Social, religious groups join hands with govt to provide food to needy

Hindustan Times  

Social and religious organisations have started feeding the needy and migrant workers trekking back home in the absence of public transport, and state governments opened community kitchens at shelter homes, enlisting the staff of the police to hand out packages of food in response to the coronavirus crisis and the distress it has sparked. In most states, community kitchens have …

Chaos and hunger amid India coronavirus lockdown
4 years, 9 months ago

Chaos and hunger amid India coronavirus lockdown

Al Jazeera  

New Delhi, India – As countries globally began enforcing strict lockdowns to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, India, the world’s second most populous country, followed suit. I’m afraid they’ll beat me.” Police across India are using force against violators of the country’s 21-day nationwide coronavirus lockdown. Leena Meghaney, a legal expert on public healthcare, claimed that a global shortage …

Coronavirus Outbreak: Trade unions write to Narendra Modi, seek Rs 5-7 lakh cr relief package
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus Outbreak: Trade unions write to Narendra Modi, seek Rs 5-7 lakh cr relief package

Firstpost  

Central trade unions on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce a financial package of Rs 5-7 lakh crore for the worst-affected segments of the working population, saying their survival is in jeopardy due to coronavirus-forced lockdown in the country New Delhi: Central trade unions on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce a financial package of Rs …

Care in times of Covid-19: Self-driven crusaders extend a helping hand during lockdown
4 years, 9 months ago

Care in times of Covid-19: Self-driven crusaders extend a helping hand during lockdown

Hindustan Times  

It is early morning and Harpreet Singh is busy preparing a list of people and places he and his community of volunteers called ‘Brothers For all’ have to visit during the day to deliver food kits containing flour, rice, pulses oil, salt, etc. Volunteers of Delhi Youth Welfare Association, a community organisation handing over cash -- Rs 3000-- to a …

Coronavirus | Centre rolls out ₹1.7-lakh-crore lockdown package
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus | Centre rolls out ₹1.7-lakh-crore lockdown package

The Hindu  

The Union government on Thursday announced a ₹1.7 lakh crore package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and countrywide lockdown, providing free food and cash transfers to support the poorest citizens who are most vulnerable during the crisis. The food grain ration for 80 crore poor people would be doubled for the next three months, supplemented by a kg of …

India coronavirus lockdown | Grocers scramble to restock after night of panic buying
4 years, 9 months ago

India coronavirus lockdown | Grocers scramble to restock after night of panic buying

The Hindu  

After witnessing a night of panic buying following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of a 21-day restriction on non-essential services, grocery stores and supermarkets across the city were busy restocking on Wednesday and tried to enforce social distancing between customers. Social distancing In Kalkaji, grocery and supply stores were busy restocking empty shelves in expectation of more panic buying. Fruit …

The perils of an all-out lockdown
4 years, 9 months ago

The perils of an all-out lockdown

The Hindu  

As the novel coronavirus spreads, a double crisis looms over India: a health crisis and an economic crisis. Tap social schemes Since time is of the essence, the first step is to make good use of existing social-security schemes to support poor people — pensions, the Public Distribution System, midday meals, and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, …

Coronavirus panic-buying threatens food security in remote NT community
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus panic-buying threatens food security in remote NT community

ABC  

A remote NT community is facing the prospect of running out of food, a local Aboriginal group says, as panic-buying amid the coronavirus outbreak disrupts local supplies. Key points: The community of Gan Gan has around 130 people Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation said the town had less than a week's food left Gan Gan locals are concerned and say they …

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