Srinagar, Mar 25 2020
In the wake of deadly coronavirus threat, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Vice President and former MLC G N Monga today urged the government to provide one month free ration to those living under below-poverty-line (BPL), three months free ration to old age pensioners and widows and release of pending wages in favour of thousands of casual laborers, daily-wagers and others.
In a statement issued to the lockdown in the wake of coronavirus has affected the livelihood of poor people. “Free supplies of ration and cash assistance could be some of the measures that could the benefit of poor to tide over their livelihood problems owing to the lockdown. These welfare measures could also help in containing the spread of deadly disease as poor people can afford to stay at home,” Monga said.
“Free rice, oil, sugar and other essential commodities on ration card must be delivered at the doorsteps of the BPL families immediately. The government should also provide three months advance free ration to old age pensioners and widows, who have no sources of income. They should also paid the old age and widow pension in advance for three months,” he demanded.
The Congress Vice President also urged the J&K administration to release the pending wages of thousands of casual-labourers, daily-wagers and others, who have been deprived of the same for the last more than eight months.
“In this hour of crisis, it is imperative upon the government to come to the rescue of these poor workers, who have been denied their wages. Their families were already facing huge crisis due to non-payment of the wages. In the wake of cornavirus crisis, they may have to starve, if immediate steps are not taken,” he added.
