Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SHP)
Mangaluru, Mar 25: Following the announcement made by the Dakshina Kannada MP and state BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel over complete lockdown in the city, netizens have expressed doubts and sought clarification on social media.
Several users took to different social media platforms hoping for clarification from the MP over ordering a complete lockdown and having the necessary commodities delivered home, which many believe is not a feasible decision. Sheryl Iona who is the Mahila Congress social media state coordinator also voiced against the decision where she stressed the BJP MP to reconsider the plan of action.
Nalin Kumar Kateel
Meanwhile one of the users suggested reducing the time allotted for making the purchase. Although there was a small number of users who hailed the decision, a huge majority called it a hasty decision.
Some of the netizens also felt that the decision could spell disaster if the authorities failed to manage the deliveries efficiently. Another user highlighted the issue of delivery of medicines which if not available in time could spell terror for the senior citizens.
Earlier on Wednesday, MP Nalin had said, "We are discussing with officials of all departments about ways to manage the situation. Essential things and facilities people need will be delivered at their doorsteps. We are sorting out how to deliver the items on behalf of the government and mode of delivery of items to apartment complexes."
Amid the rising cases of coronavirus Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, March 24 announced a 21-day national lockdown which threw Indians into a frenzy. People panicked trying to assess measures of availing everyday necessities. However, to provide relief to the anxious citizens, the home ministry released guidelines where it stated that medical establishments, shops, including ration shops (under PDS), dealing with food, groceries, fruits and vegetables, dairy and milk booths, meat and fish, animal fodder would stay open. However, district authorities could encourage and facilitate home delivery to minimize the movement of individuals outside their homes.
As of March 25, India has recorded over 600 positive cases and 10 deaths while the global COVID-19 cases crossed 4 lac with over 19,000 deaths.