Social distancing needs to be maintained while distributing relief, says MLA Dilip Paul

April 11: The global attack of coronavirus pandemic has made mankind feel very helpless. All rush and activity has suddenly given way to inactivity. People are locked inside their houses. The number of positive patients are ever increasing. Government has announced various relief packages to bail out the suffering public. But the magnitude of the pandemic has made us to realise that government alone could not mitigate the sufferings of all. Individuals, NGOs, business establishments & various organisations has come forward in helping people by giving food items.

At Silchar too, a number of individuals and organisations after seeking permission from the administration are in the field distributing relief materials to the poor and needy. Mostly those people whose livelihood depends on daily wage are now out of work. However, while distributing food materials, the main aspect which ought to be kept in mind is “social distancing.”

Emphasizing on this aspect, Silchar MLA Dilip Kumar Paul said, “Please ensure social distancing. I have seen in many places that during distribution of relief, social distancing is not maintained. Many a times, people rush together to get the aid.” Saying so, MLA Paul praised all who are helping the poor but at the same time said, “If you find it difficult to maintain the crowd during distribution of relief, please take the help of the police. Inform the local police station. Policemen will go with you and help you in maintaining discipline. In this way social distancing can be maintained.”

MLA Paul also said that the government is doing its level best to help the people in distress. He also praised the NGOs, individuals, organisations, government employees who are helping the people. But at the same time, he reiterated to help people by maintaining social distancing. He also urged upon the people to wash hands with soap or apply sanitiser and to stay indoors. He also said that he will inform the Deputy Commissioner that before giving permission of distributing relief, the aspect of ‘social distancing’ should be made a pre-condition. He also said that the NGOs should rope in more volunteers for maintaining discipline.