Though adequate relief measures were announced by PM Modi, during the 21-day nationwide lockdpwn, the reality on ground zero is very different. An exclusive report by our Editor-in-Chief, Arindam, for Different Truths.

In an address to the nation, at 8pm, our PM Narendra Modi had assured us that the supply of essential services shall remain unhampered, during the 21-day natoonwide lockdown. These included milk and other dairy products, bread, vegetables, medicines, etc. Relief measures and restrictions should go hand in hand, without the latter, restrictions are cruel. It hurts. In fact, the state and district administrations should have ensured that relief measures are in place as firmly as the restrictions that are being imposed for the common good of the people.

Relief measures and restrictions should go hand in hand, without the latter, restrictions are cruel. It hurts. In fact, the state and district administrations should have ensured that relief measures are in place as firmly as the restrictions that are being imposed for the common good of the people.

The reality in several cities, including Allahabad, Bangalore (where my children stay), and other places, where we have friends and relatives were quite different. Nilesh Narayan, a young tour leader in Allahabad posted this in his FB status, “While groceries & logistics are messed-up, why is it that I am seeing more Police vans on the streets than any veg or milk hawker?” In reply to my post on FB, he rued, “Hawkers and delivery boys are being beaten up the police…My milkman couldn’t make it today because of this.”

Who gave the orders to the police to unleash terror on people? During curfew, it’s the duty of the district administration, via the police, to extend a helping hand and ensure that relief measures are in place. If they cannot afford to provide these to the citizens, why should they hinder relief measures?

“We were told that our CM Yogi Adityanath had assured that 10,000 vehicles have been pressed into service to ensure that medicines, groceries, vegetables, bread and milk reach people. We haven’t seen a single vehicle,” rued Sumita

“We were told that our CM Yogi Adityanath had assured that 10,000 vehicles have been pressed into service to ensure that medicines, groceries, vegetables, bread

and milk reach people. We haven’t seen a single vehicle,” rued Sumita, a school teacher.   Instead, there are reports of police excesses from many places.

Furthermore, various apps for essential services doing rounds on the social media too are not working. This is happening in Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and other big cities. We too received phone Nos of an online store. That isn’t working either.

He also informed that bread, milk and other dairy products are not availabale anywhere. He did not have quite a few things that I needed too. Vegetable sellers have not put up their shops. Things are very difficult, here.

I was happy when my grocer told me that I could place my order telephonically and that I must collect it, when he returns my call. He took my order at 7:45AM and said that he would let me know by 4PM today. Despite few reminders, am still waiting, after about 12 hours. He also informed that bread, milk and other dairy products are not availabale anywhere. He did not have quite a few things that I needed too. Vegetable sellers have not put up their shops. Things are very difficult, here.

My grocer called up, as I was filing this report. He apologised saying, “We were informed that the police beat up several shopkeepers, in Chowk, for keeping their shops open. We buy few things from them too. We had to shut our shop afraid that we wouldn’t be spared too. Police were on constant rounds throughout the day.”

“Sir, we have not slept properly for two nights. Our helpers aren’t coming. We had to do everything. There were large numbers of orders. Me and my famiy are very tired now…”

He added, “Sir, we have not slept properly for two nights. Our helpers aren’t coming. We had to do everything. There were large numbers of orders. Me and my family are very tired now…Please manage for a few days. Will tell you when to collect your proisions.”

A fish seller had to supply an order to a family friend yesterday. There was a death in the family. According to Bengali traditions, at Niyom Bhongo (end of mourning period) fish and rice is served to the family. The regular fish markets are closed. The vendor, who was on his way to their place on a bicycle was beaten by the police. He had to run back home.

When the PM Modi made the announcement, last night, some of us rushed to a grocer, plonk opposite our apartments. There was a huge rush. I waited outside. He was busy giving things to a person, who had bought most of the provisions to the last items.

When the PM Modi made the announcement, last night, some of us rushed to a grocer, plonk opposite our apartments. There was a huge rush. I waited outside. He was busy giving things to a person, who had bought most of the provisions to the last items. He bought 10 bags of 10Kg atta, a bag of 5kg rice, all the ghee in that shop (two 500gms and two 1Kg packs). All these items were ‘sold off’ the moment he left. Another person bought six packs of curd. Nothing was left after that. The grocer (not my regular place) ran out of almost everything by the time my turn came. I bought whatever was available, a few items, in small quantities. The good thing is that he did not over charge.

After I returned home, I received two calls. One was from my cousin, who said that he bought a salt packet (MRP Rs 45) for Rs 145/- It was the last packet at the shop. Another friend said that he paid a premium from the provisions that he bought. In Kolkata, a friend had asked a shopkeeper why was he overcharging. The shopkeeper told him, Sir, we are not sure when we will be able to open our shops. What will I and my family eat? I am afraid too. If you pay a little extra, my children will eat a few more meals.” Can we blame them for overcharging? During this time of uncertainity we have to treat them with compassion too. Perhaps a little more is not bad but not three times the price, perhaps.

Seema Singh Katiyar, from Lucknow, said that she had no problems with essential commodities, in reponse to my FB post.

Seema Singh Katiyar, from Lucknow, said that she had no problems with essential commodities, in reponse to my FB post. I wish we, in other cities, could vouch similarly.

I hope and pray that relief measures are in place and that the police do not beat up those who are out to buy/sell essential commodites. I hope that between the words of the PM and the action on the ground there isn’t a gap, big or small.

Photo from the Internet