Coimbatore: The lockdown by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19 was initially proposed from March 25 to April 14 for 21 days. However, upon request of various Chief Ministers the lockdown was extended until May 3.
Coimbatore: The lockdown by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19 was initially proposed from March 25 to April 14 for 21 days. However, upon request of various Chief Ministers the lockdown was extended until May 3.
Though the extension is mandatory to curb the viral spread to stage 3, how would we survive after the pandemic is over? is the question asked by millions of the poor daily wage labourers. Stuck amid the fear of the pandemic and hunger, the only remorse for these affected people is the monetary grant and the free rations distributed by the government through Public Distribution System (PDS).
When even during such crisis situation, the rations and Rs.1000 State grant is being looted in many PDS shops, cry foul these people who opine the greedy swindlers at ration shops should be ashamed of themselves for their act, during a pandemic situation, like what we face today.
Right from the day the distribution of relief materials at PDS commenced, complaints have been pouring to the officials especially to the District Collector on the illegal activities by ration shop workers including reducing quantity, swindling goods of card holders who don't visit the shop often among others.
Greiving about his experience at a PDS in Karumbukkadai area in the city, Naqbal told us that he was supplied with rations in less quantities than promised by the government. He also informed that he was not the only one affected, many of the them from their area faced the same problem.
Enraged by the act, the card holders at Karumbukkadai jointly raised an allegation to the Tahsildar and the District Collector. They accused that rice and wheat were deliberately supplied in lesser quantities compared to other low-priced items. Moreover, the quality of the items were in sub-standard quality, they informed the officials.
Taking no time to react, the Collector with immediate effect ordered the concerned Tahsildar's to probe the issue and ensure people receive the relief without any discrepancies.
Joining the bandwagon of complainants, Anandkumar, a resident of TVS Nagar in Edayarpalayam was left in shock after the essentials and the Rs. 1000 grant due to his card, has been marked as 'received' by the PDS shop which he claims to have not visited for over two years.
"I had missed my ration card, two years ago. Hence, I did not receive or apply for smart card. When I approached to my Bharathiar Women's Ration shop No.2, 31EW017PN, I learnt that they had been been misuisng my card and taking supplies month after month including the recent COVID-19 grant and the supplies.
In a bid to confirm the illegal act of the ration shop workers, Anandkumar called the government toll-free number and found that his card in active status and monthly rations been availed every month for the past two years.
Irked by the incident, Anandkumar has appealed to the officials to initiate severe action against the wrongdoers at his PDS shop in Edayarapalayam.
Like Anandkumar and Naqbal, many residents have taken the issue to the notice of the Tamil Nadu State government through twitter and social media.
Following, these complaints officials were even directed to hold surprise inspection at PDS.
When contacted, the Circle Tahsildar Shakuntala acknowledged that they have received complaints from five people and stern action will be initiated against the workers at the respective PDS.
If such hoardings and looting are not dealt with sternly, then this looting episode will continue more vigourously during the second phase of distribution of relief materials and the grant by the government. The public have appealed to the district administration to ensure seamless and transparent distribution of relief measures, in the coming days.
Though the extension is mandatory to curb the viral spread to stage 3, how would we survive after the pandemic is over? is the question asked by millions of the poor daily wage labourers. Stuck amid the fear of the pandemic and hunger, the only remorse for these affected people is the monetary grant and the free rations distributed by the government through Public Distribution System (PDS).
When even during such crisis situation, the rations and Rs.1000 State grant is being looted in many PDS shops, cry foul these people who opine the greedy swindlers at ration shops should be ashamed of themselves for their act, during a pandemic situation, like what we face today.
Right from the day the distribution of relief materials at PDS commenced, complaints have been pouring to the officials especially to the District Collector on the illegal activities by ration shop workers including reducing quantity, swindling goods of card holders who don't visit the shop often among others.
Greiving about his experience at a PDS in Karumbukkadai area in the city, Naqbal told us that he was supplied with rations in less quantities than promised by the government. He also informed that he was not the only one affected, many of the them from their area faced the same problem.
Enraged by the act, the card holders at Karumbukkadai jointly raised an allegation to the Tahsildar and the District Collector. They accused that rice and wheat were deliberately supplied in lesser quantities compared to other low-priced items. Moreover, the quality of the items were in sub-standard quality, they informed the officials.
Taking no time to react, the Collector with immediate effect ordered the concerned Tahsildar's to probe the issue and ensure people receive the relief without any discrepancies.
Joining the bandwagon of complainants, Anandkumar, a resident of TVS Nagar in Edayarpalayam was left in shock after the essentials and the Rs. 1000 grant due to his card, has been marked as 'received' by the PDS shop which he claims to have not visited for over two years.
"I had missed my ration card, two years ago. Hence, I did not receive or apply for smart card. When I approached to my Bharathiar Women's Ration shop No.2, 31EW017PN, I learnt that they had been been misuisng my card and taking supplies month after month including the recent COVID-19 grant and the supplies.
In a bid to confirm the illegal act of the ration shop workers, Anandkumar called the government toll-free number and found that his card in active status and monthly rations been availed every month for the past two years.
Irked by the incident, Anandkumar has appealed to the officials to initiate severe action against the wrongdoers at his PDS shop in Edayarapalayam.
Like Anandkumar and Naqbal, many residents have taken the issue to the notice of the Tamil Nadu State government through twitter and social media.
Following, these complaints officials were even directed to hold surprise inspection at PDS.
When contacted, the Circle Tahsildar Shakuntala acknowledged that they have received complaints from five people and stern action will be initiated against the workers at the respective PDS.
If such hoardings and looting are not dealt with sternly, then this looting episode will continue more vigourously during the second phase of distribution of relief materials and the grant by the government. The public have appealed to the district administration to ensure seamless and transparent distribution of relief measures, in the coming days.