Rajya Sabha MP Mahesh Poddar has appealed to the business fraternity members of Jharkhand to follow Government directions and help the needy in the wake of COVID-19.
“Whenever there is a crisis on the country due to different reasons, the industry-trade-business world has shown the courage to stand firmly with the people of the country, share and overcome the sufferings of the people. Even during this new disaster which came in the form of Coronavirus, we will all continue this tradition, this is the expectation from you all,” he said.
“First of all, follow the authorised and scientifically given suggestions for prevention of corona virus, motivate every person in your contact to do the same. In accordance with the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, make ‘Janata Curfew’ successful on March 22, encourage people engaged in our service and safety at 5 pm, do not do panic shopping and maintain social distancing as much as possible,” he suggested.
The MP further asked to give "paid leave" or "work at home" to the employees working in factories, establishments, shops, offices etc. if their physical presence is not mandatory. “Understand the problems of daily wage earners and daily wage earners, consider how to overcome their problems. They have no fault in the disaster that has come, but they will suffer the most. They are not able to fight, but I and you are, so consider it your responsibility and try to overcome their suffering,” he said.
“According to my information, in many cities of the State, including Ranchi, there are many forums or institutions operating under "Roti Bank" or other names that provide free food to the poor. By giving financial support to such institutions or groups, we can increase their scope and reduce the suffering of the poor,” he added.
Poddar said that many institutions provide food at cheap rates. One such center is run by Maheshwari Sabha outside Nagarmal Modi Seva Sadan of Ranchi. More people can be benefited by increasing the main power and resources at such centers. We should also give financial support to such institutions. Fast food trucks are operating in most cities of the State including Ranchi. These mobile shops should be prepared to provide cheap or free food (simple food). All should give financial support to such centers ready to participate in this project. According to the need, if some people from our group are present as volunteers at such centers then even better.
“There are crowds of daily wage labourers coming from nearby villages at many squares and intersections of Ranchi. First,we should arrange to ‘sanitize’ them, secondly we should try to provide them free food or grains etc. You will also have many other suggestions that can be tried to benefit or provide relief to the suffering humanity. I look forward to such suggestions and proposals. I am myself following most of the above. If you feel it necessary, then tell me what else I can do at my level,” he said.