Multi-pronged efforts: Sindh to hand out two million bags of ration to the needy

Bags worth Rs2 million, consisting of rice, flour, sugar, oil will be distributed

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah ordered provincial authorities to distribute ration bags to the needy, amid fears about the economic repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic on Sindh’s most vulnerable people.

The decision was taken in a high-level meeting at the CM House on Thursday.

“With the closure of malls and restaurants - or what is being termed a partial lockdown - we have tried to slow down the spread of coronavirus so that necessary arrangements could be made for establishing isolation centres and field hospitals,” Shah explained. He said that two million ration bags, consisting of rice, flour, sugar, oil, tea, milk, spices and three types of lentils, would be distributed to those in need.

The CM disclosed that he had already met philanthropists and non-governmental organisations to seek their help and guidance in the matter.

A warehouse is to be established to store the ration bags, while houses will be marked to ensure that everyone receives at least one bag. Furthermore, a helpline will be set up where people can register themselves for these bags; the bags will be supplied after necessary verification.

Shah also said that Karachi Corps Commander Lt Gen Humayun Aziz would establish a committee under Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani, to ensure the proper care of all those affected by the virus, decide the quantity of food items to be distributed and develop a mechanism for their distribution.

Lt Gen Aziz also emphasised the need to provide ration to daily wage workers and the poorer segments of society, who are more likely to face economic difficulties due to the disruption.

Earlier this week, the Sindh government ordered every union council to purchase and distribute anti-septic soaps worth Rs100,000 among residents to promote public health awareness, cleanliness and hygiene.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2020.