New Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal government’s promises of providing rations to poor and marginalised sections of the society has proved hollow & not up to the mark, reveals a ground survey by a food rights organisation. Delhi govt had launched a scheme to provide rations to poor & marginalised communities, even if they do not possess ration cards but the survey lays bare the inadequacies & the gaping loopholes in food distribution scheme.
The survey was undertaken by Delhi Rozi Roti Adhikar Abhiyan (DRRAA) between January 11 and 13 regarding the status of distribution of ration to marginalised classes in 62 out of 282 schools, designated as distribution points.
Abhiyan found out that “none of the 62 schools checked were distributing rations as they stated that they had no stock of foodgrains,” reported a leading news portal.
DRRAA appeared to be disappointed against the Delhi government due to its careless act and said, “The failure to provide ration through designated distribution centres constitutes a violation of the orders of the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court regarding providing foodgrains to migrant workers and economically vulnerable people who do not possess ration cards during the ongoing pandemic.”
The organisation further pointed out the importance of providing rations considering the spike in Covid-19 cases in Delhi during the ongoing wave where the pandemic-imposed restrictions have severely affected the economic activities and livelihoods of most of the marginalised people.
The Abhiyan has also urged the Delhi Chief Minister to intervene in the matter.
In a letter signed by food rights activists including Anjali Bhardwaj, Amrita Johri, Annie Raja, and Dipa Sinha, they highlighted that due to Covid-19 restrictions, the condition of daily wagers, informal sector workers including street hawkers, domestic help, construction labour was precarious and needed hand holding by the govt to help them tide over the crisis.
While referring to the survey by DRRAA in 62 schools out of 282 designated as distribution points, the activists noticed that “people in need of rations were being repeatedly returned empty-handed.”
The letter further stated, “such precarious situation will lead to hunger and food insecurity for lakhs of people in Delhi”.
The activists also reminded the Delhi CM that “only 37% of the population is covered under the Public Distribution System and possess a ration card allowing them to access rations on a monthly basis”.
