Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said the number of night shelters in the city has been increased and more food is being distributed for homeless people. To ensure smooth supply of essential services without any disruptions, Kejriwal announced 1031 helpline number. The Government said widows, senior citizens, and divyangs entitled to monthly pension will get additional amount equivalent to one month’s annuity.
“The Government has also decided to double the pension under the widow, old-age, and disability pension scheme,” said Kejriwal.
Earlier, the CM had said the Government does not want daily wagers and homeless to suffer due to restrictions hence it had decided to distribute free food and enhanced benefits under ration scheme.
“We have decided to provide 50 per cent more quantity — 7.5 kg instead of fixed quota of 5 kg — free rations to 72 lakh beneficiaries attached to our ration scheme for one month. The ration will be provided free of cost,” he said at his online Press conference.
The Government will also provide free food twice a day to homeless at night shelters, however, Kejriwal added the offer would not be restricted to occupants of those facilities.
“We are arranging free lunch and dinner at 220 night shelters for every person. The Government has also decided to double the pension under the widow, old-age, and disability pension scheme,” he said.
Kejriwal also said due to curfew, several people were not able to get food, and urged the public to send such people to the nearest shelters of the Delhi Government, where food was arranged.
He said the Delhi Government is working to ensure that not a single person in Delhi should suffer from hunger.
“We have already started distributing food in all the night shelters of Delhi where any person can come and eat. We have witnessed that the number of people is increasing, therefore, we have also decided to increase the number of such night shelters and we will also increase food distribution. But again I want to tell you that I am very happy to know that many people are coming forward to volunteer in the distribution of foods.”
Kejriwal said five fresh cases of corona positive were reported in the city during past 24 hours. With this, now the number of COVID-19 patients in Delhi stands at 35 till Wednesday evening which was stuck to 30 two days before.
Encouraging people to support in the fight against corona spread, Kejriwal urged masses to stay at home, follow and respect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to maintain social distancing during the lockdown.
He said buyers and consumers do not require any passes to buy essential things required in day today’s needs.
Citing a few examples of doctors facing difficulties in Delhi as house owners termed them corona virus carriers and forcing them to vacate their houses as soon as possible, Kejriwal also urged house owners to cooperate in difficult times.
“These people are warriors and serving in difficult times to keep us safe and healthy, I am requesting to all house owners in Delhi, to not force them to vacate the house,” said Kejriwal.
He, along with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, in a joint video Press conference said this a difficult time and we are not saying there will not be problems, but we will do our best to make sure everyone is looked after.
“There will be no shortage of essential goods,” he said.
