The novel coronavirus has many people on edge. The lockdown in India started on 25th March 2020 and will continue till 3rd May 2020. Massive proportion of poor people in India have found themselves without money to buy a single meal in a day. On the second day of the lockdown, the government promised a relief package of $22.5 billion. The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, stated during a press briefing that, “the government is working so that those affected directly, particularly the poor, the migrant workers, the women, and the disadvantaged of society will have been reached out to with tangible help and assistance.”
However, on 31st March, thousands of daily wage workers originally from the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, were seen leaving Delhi due to lack of money for food (Source). Contrary to this, both citizens and foreign nationals have been taking advantage of the lockdown by going out to various public spaces to hang out. At the same time, many businesses have started to take advantage of people desperate for food and basic amenities – they have been charged by police for unnecessary price increases.
Google’s “thank you coronavirus helpers”
On 6th April, Google changed it’s logo for recognizing the great work healthcare workers and scientists are doing in fighting the novel coronavirus infection, COVID-19, with the phrase “thank you coronavirus helpers.” We would like to broaden the meaning to include more front-line helpers: much like the healthcare staff, the police have been keeping our public spaces clear from rule flouters on the front-lines. Indeed, many police officers across the country have also been seen aiding the public – distributing food, making masks and even singing to maintain high morale.
Haryana
Starting 5th April, police personnel of Women Police Station in Panchkula, Chandhigarh, Haryana prepared food for those that are going hungry in their region. Each day 300-500 people were served the packed food during off-duty times. The food was made using their own contributions. This police team assured residents that they will distribute the food till the end of the lockdown.
Delhi
In Najafgarh, women police officers were making masks for 3 hours after their 8-hour duty shift. As of 14th April, more than 10,000 masks have been made by them and then distributed within their region. Furthermore, in the morning they cook sabzi (general term for a vegetable dish) and puri (like flatbread but a different flour and it’s fried). The food is distributed amongst poor labor workers.
Similarly, the Greater Kailash Police Station received phone calls from unknown callers about not being able to wear masks. Wanting to solve the problem, three women police officers brought in their own sewing machines, and the wave started. Sunni, a Constable and one of the three women said, “I use these masks myself too, you can wash them and sanitize every day, poor people cannot spend money in purchasing masks every day.” This station also started making their own homemade sanitizers and distributed them to those in need.
Similar feats being achieved in other states
Geeta Bishnoi, who has been posted in Crime Branch of Sirohi district, Rajasthan, makes masks while off duty. In Uttar Pradesh, the police in Gorakhpur district, distributed food and water to the needy.
Indian Railways provides food for needy
In addition, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) along with Railway Protection Force (RPF – police personnel), has partnered with various NGOs in order to supply lunch and dinner for those in need. Food is distributed from IRCTC kitchens in New Delhi, Bangalore, Hubli, Mumbai Central, Ahmedabad, Bhusaval, Howrah, Patna, Gaya, Ranchi, Katihar, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar, Balasore, Vijaywada, Khurda, Kaadpali, Tiruchirapalli, Dhanbad, Guwahati and Samastipur spread over various Railway Zones – Northern, Western, Eastern, Southern and South Central – a total of 196 locations (at present). The RPF have used their own resources for food and have been volunteering across these zones. From 28th March 2020 till 1st April, 102,937 meals have been reported to have been distributed. Moreover, plans are being made daily to increase production and distribution locations. Only a few examples above have been mentioned but this voluntary movement is being carried out consistently by many other Indian police stations, individuals, organisations and NGOs across the country. Police personnel have stepped to the challenge, so can the citizens. Thank you coronavirus helpers!
