Pics: Kevin Rodrigues

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Mar 28: Keeping his promises made to migrant workers, Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat distributed grocery kits to migrants workers' families joining hands with the district administration, Kadiyali Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava Samiti, Asare Association and other likeminded groups on Saturday, March 28 at Beedinagudde.

More than 500 families benefited. The MLA said, “We are ready to provide all necessary items for poor in such critical situation.”

Udupi tahasildar Pradeep Kurdekar said, “We distributed food grains among the migrant families who have come from northern Karnataka like Bagalkote, Bidar and other places. Around 2,000 migrants reside in and around the city. With fear of coronavirus and financial problem, they wanted to leave the city, but were stopped at Shiroor check post. We will keep monitoring them. If they have any health issues, the district administration will get medical facilities. The grocery kit contains 10 kg rice bag, jaggery, chilli, oil, and many other items. The response of Udupians to lockdown is very good.”

Dr Vijay Ballal, trustee of Janardan and Mahakali temple said, “By understanding today's situation, many religious centres have come forward to extend help to needy and poor people. Likewise, we too joined hands to such a noble cause. Migrant workers are in a dilemma as they do not have jobs to earn their daily bread. In order to respond to their problems, the MLA and district administration in Udupi, planned to provide food grains to those families. We will help them till the lockdown order is over. The DHO also requested to provide midday meals, necessary items for hospital officials, who are giving their selfless service now. Many NGOs and peer groups have come forward to help needy people. We need to appreciate them.”

The food grains packing was held at Ambalpady temple hall. Many youths joined hands to pack food bags. Each bag contains items worth Rs 700.

These bags were prepared under the supervision of DySP Jaishankar, tahasildar Pradeep Kurdekar, CMC commissioner Anand Kallolikar, Raghavendra Kini, BJP district president Mahesh Takoor and others.