Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru Apr 2: As a step to help the underprivileged affected due to the 21-day lockdown, Mangaluru South MLA Vedayvasa Kamath announced the provision of ration to economically weaker sections of the society on Thursday, April 2. Addressing media, the MLA said, "Ration will be distributed among migrant labourers, destitute, and coolie workers within Mangaluru South constituency."

"There are many destitute, migrant labourers from other districts who are stuck here. These do not possess any BPL or APL ration cards. For such groups of people, ration service consisting of 5 kg of rice and seven other ingredients will be provided. From the Muzrai department, food is being provided to underprivileged in the afternoon and nights. Food is also being provided through Indira Canteen," he added.

"We will also provide Modi kit worth Rs 500 consisting rice and other ingredients to 38 wards in South constituency. Initially, 50 kits will be distributed in every ward, and if required more will be provided. For APL cardholders (single-member card), rice will be provided at Rs 15 per kg, 5 kg per month for the next two months. Meanwhile, if there are more than two members in a family, the one who possesses an APL card will be able to avail 10 kg of rice per month at Rs 15 per kg," MLA Kamath asserted.

"We have identified a few grocery shops who have agreed for home delivery services. Such retailers will be issued passes to make deliveries," he added.

Meanwhile, Mangaluru North MLA Dr Bharath Y Shetty said, "Wholesale grocery stores will continue to function at Bunder, but these shops of vegetable and fruits will be shifted to APMC market in Baikampady. The OTP system of providing ration is cancelled and it will be provided under the manual system."

"The trial of coronavirus testing lab at Wenlock is under process and the machine has been set up and soon it will function on a full-fledged basis to get an immediate result," he added.

Further, Dr Shetty said, "Over 28 patients are in quarantine at private hospitals, of which 26 had come from New Delhi's Nizamuddin event. These people as of now are asymptomatic."

Concerning the border issue, Dr Shetty said, "As per KMC act, orders will be issued to restrict the movement of treatment of patients from other states within the Mangaluru City Corporation limits to contain COVID-19. The state government will soon file SLP."