‘Don’t help the poor directly, go through govt’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:13.04.2020

The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday asked political parties and voluntary organisations not to distribute food items and essentials directly to the poor and needy. Direct distribution by individuals and groups defeats the very purpose of Section 144 and social distancing, the state government said. It warned of strict action against those violating the rules.

Listing out various measures taken by the state in its fight against Covid-19, the government highlighted relief efforts undertaken to help the poor. “We are receiving multiple reports from across districts that individuals, several groups and political parties, in the name of reaching out to the needy, are creating issues in effective handling of the lockdown,” the statement said.

The lockdown and Section 144 have been imposed so that social distancing is maintained to curb the spread of the virus.

“If individuals, organizations and political parties are keen to contribute essential goods for the poor and needy, they can deposit the same with the commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation in Chennai, and to district collectors in the rest of the state. Officials will ensure the same reaches the needy and streamline the crowds, while distributing, in such a way as to maintain social distance,” the statement said.

“Food cooked at community kitchens will be distributed among the needy. Members of the public and organizations, including NGOs, can come forward to donate to the chief minister’s relief fund, which will go a long way in helping those in need during this crisis… Strict action will be initiated against anyone found violating the norms of Section 144,” the statement said.

Incidentally, DMK president M K Stalin, his son Udhayanidhi Stalin and Central Chennai MP Dayanidhi Maran have been busy distributing food and essentials to the people during the lockdown. On Sunday too, Stalin visited a few places, including Guru Nanak College in Velachery which houses several hundred guest workers, and distributed essentials to them.

Direct distribution by individuals and groups defeats the very purpose of Section 144 and social distancing, the state government has said