Shallwani issues ration disbursement plan

Rations to be handed out door-to-door from 5am to 7am, he says

KARACHI: On the directives of the Sindh government, Karachi Commissioner Iftikhar Shallwani issued on Friday a notification describing the mechanism devised for ration distribution among the needy.

As per the notification, each ration bag is to include 10 kilogrammes (kg) of flour, 1kg each of three types of lentils, 2kg cooking oil, 5kg rice, 1kg chickpeas, salt and 250 grams each of red chilli, turmeric and coriander powder.

Rations will be disbursed door-to-door between 5am and 7am, the notification states, adding that the exercise will take place under the supervision of relevant deputy commissioners (DCs) while citizens will be barred from crowding at any spot for ration collection.

The commissioner also issued another notification clarifying the government's lockdown orders, as well as directing all DCs in the city to ensure the success of these measures, taken to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus.



He stated that bakeries would be permitted to remain open from 8am to 5pm, while confectioneries were to remain closed. Meanwhile, the management of supermarkets and utility stores have been instructed to practice social distancing while they operate.

The notification further says that restaurants and eateries will be closed, without any takeaway or delivery facilities, while only online services delivering essential daily use items and medicines can function via certain courier services. In addition, food and pharmaceutical companies may continue to operate in industrial areas.

Vowing aid

Meanwhile, heading a meeting discussing relief activities during the lockdown, Sindh Energy Minister Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh maintained that the Sindh government was taking steps to ensure the supply of rations to the needy at their homes, with the help of local representatives and charity organisations.



"The Sindh government will not abandon the needy under any circumstances and is trying to reach all those in need, especially those who do not seek alms publicly," he stated, adding, however, that it was a challenge to provide rations while avoiding crowds.

Shaikh further said that the Sindh government was in contact with the Centre for the purpose of sharing data about needy citizens, adding that the measures had been discussed with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar, who was also attending the meeting via video link.

Appealing to citizens to stay at home, he said that though the lockdown was an agonising process, the only way to curb the spread of COVID-19 was through such precautions. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 4^th, 2020.