The Covid Help Centre in Patna run by CPIML, AISA and RYA entered its 37th day on 30 May 2021. Its volunteers have now started a Covid protocol awareness campaign in addition to distribution of ration packets among the urban poor in Patna facing lockdown-induced distress.
CPIML Patna City Secretary Abhyuday said that despite even a cyclone like Yaas, our activists are working consistently but it is unfortunate that we are not getting cooperation from the government and the administration. Such an attitude from the government in these difficult times is highly condemnable. Contrary to the administration's indifference, we are getting consistent cooperation from a large part of civil society and our campaign continues with their help. The poor are on the brink of starvation and government efforts are falling short. As such, it is the initiatives by civil society that bring hope to the poor.
On 30 May the Help Centre team carried out an awareness campaign for vaccination, masks etc in the poor bastis near Baans Ghat and appealed to people to observe Covid protocol and get vaccinated as soon as possible. The team was led by Neeraj Yadav, Sameer Raj and Ramji Yadav.
For the last 5 days the Help Centre activists wearing 'raincoats' of flex banners and travelling by auto or bike have been distributing food packets among rickshaw-thela drivers and footpath dwellers. They said that if the administration had a cooperative attitude this relief drive could have been on a much larger scale.
On the morning of 30 May, 1000 kg rice, 200 kg chana, 400 kg potatoes and 250 packets of salt were purchased and packed for distribution among the poor.
The Covid Help Centre has appealed to all people for help in the relief work: contribute generously at Bank Account:
COVID HELP CENTRE BIHAR
Account Number: 40182090306
IFSC: SBIN0000152
STATE BANK OF INDIA, Patna Main Branch
UPI Payment: 9431829868
