Slum-dwellers, shelter-less also at the receiving end

LUCK NOW: Along with the migrant labourers who are forced to walk long distances to reach their native places, slum-dwellers and shelterless people in the city are also at the receiving end during the lockdown.

The police have been distributing food to the needy people but there are still many who have not benefited from it. Muneeb, who lived at Khamman Peer Dargah at Charbagh, had to vacate it due to prohibitory orders. A native of Farrukhabad, Muneeb does not have money to go home. Some domestic helps are also in a tight spot. People are calling them for work but they are unable to go due to the lockdown.

“I stepped out yesterday (Wednesday) as the people I work for were calling me but policemen told me to stay home. There are several like me who have been asked either to join work or face pay cut,” said Sulochana, who lives in Shivajipuram.

NO ACCESS TO ONLINE SHOPPING

Dalip Kumar, a migrant labourer who lives in Shivajipuram, said, “I earned Rs 200 per day but for the past one week I am jobless. I have little savings. We used to buy rations daily but the local shop has run out of stock and we don’t know how to order from online grocery stores.” Geeta of sector 14 of Shivajipuram had to go to her native place Bihar. “Since we had to go, I left the house work in three places. I have a family of three to look after.”

OFFICIAL TAKE

Lucknow divisional commissioner Mukesh Meshram said, “Since we are under lockdown, all are requested to stay wherever they are. As far as food is concerned, we are setting up 15 community kitchens. In eight zones, marriage halls (shadighar) will be used for distribution of food and dry rations.” Asked about migrant labourers walking to their native places, he said, “As far as the migrant labourers are concerned, contractors or employers have been asked to make arrangements for them and we are distributing dry rations.”