lockdown protects the well-off, but what about those who face hunger, homelessness or poor health YNC ;Jan calls for dedicating part of special package for women labourers

Poonch January 29:– In its press statement, Youth National Conference Provincial President and Former MLA Poonch said, the marginalised and vulnerable sections of the Jammu and Kashmir are in extremely dire straits today because of the Covid-19 Weekend lockdown. Lakhs of migrant labourers are living in pathetic conditions. Their families in the villages are on the verge of starvation. Many households are becoming more and more indebted to meet their daily needs. There is scarcity of essential items and the prices have sky-rocketed. It is disappointing that the Government of India has disregarded the woes of a large majority of Jammu and Kashmir peoples. Government of India spend nothing for the people of J&K on COVID-19 relief, the lowest in the Country. I therefore demand

Ration grains are not being distributed as yet in many areas of Jammu and Kashmir, although there are massive food grain stocks in central government godowns. And assured water supply for all vulnerable sections of society. Take urgent steps to control the prices of all essential commodities. Immediately transfer Rs 3500 per month to all the Jan Dhan and MNREGA accounts. The atmosphere of communal hatred that is still being encouraged is weakening our united struggle against Covid-19 and is adding to the insecurity of the minorities and of women. Stern steps must be taken to curb attempts to instigate communal tensions.

While these measures protect people by reducing and slowing down transmission, what has also become quickly apparent everywhere is that they benefit only small no of the population — those who have salaried jobs, savings, fridges large enough to stock groceries, and homes spacious enough to stay indoors without confinement causing health problems.

He said that women usually remain deprived of basic rights and same is the case with women laborers and there is urgent need to help them by dedicating a special financial Package.

Jan further said that small scale businessmen from across the country are most affected due to COVID-19 and Government should pay required focus on aiding such traders.