As mercury dipped down further and affect of cold wave increased across the State, blankets’ consignment has not reached the deprived people spending sleepless nights under open sky and shivering due to lack of basic amenities. The poor people are the worst sufferers in winter, due to the delay in blankets consignment procurement, the district administration is yet to distribute blankets among the target groups in full-fledged way.
Though at few places blankets have been sent as per the requirement but the district administration will formally start distribution of blankets at each ward from Wednesday. The administration has received a blanket consignment a week ago for distributing it in all the 55 wards. Approximately, 23,000 blankets will be distributed among the deprived people this year.
Notably, blankets distribution in the State capital was supposed to be initiated from December 10, immediately after the tender procedure. As per CM Raghubar Das’ decision, State Handicraft Corporation, Jharcraft and Khadi Board were jointly was given the responsibility to fulfill the requirement of blankets distribution among the beneficiaries to cover maximum people in limited amount beside giving livelihood to several artisans. However, with one lakh blankets, the State owned designing institution and Handicraft Corporation was able to meet the demand of two districts only, this year.
“This year, through tender process, the administration has received 23,000 blankets. Jharcraft, this year was not able to fulfill our requirement. In Ranchi district alone, approximately 22 thousand blankets will be supplied as per the data available with us. Rest, one thousand blankets is kept in stock for utilizing it in time of emergency. Within a week, all the blankets will be distributed in all the wards. For each ward, 57 blankets have been given for distribution to the ward councilors,” said, Ranchi DC, Manoj Kumar.
Similarly, demarcation of main points at major itineraries has been identified for bonfire arrangement. Disaster management team has been informed to check the necessary arrangements for bonfire arrangement as well. “Bonfire arrangements has been completed, as many as 30 major points have been identified. Soon basic arrangements like firewood etc. will be ensured for public convenience,” added Kumar.