SHILLONG: With the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic looming large in the state, many a helping hand has come forward to provide succour to the less fortunate by providing them with necessary food items and other essentials.
Citizens of the state, irrespective of their caste and community, have joined hands to help the needy in the time of distress. There has been no dearth of good Samaritans in the state – be it free distribution of rice grains, donating masks, distributing cooked food or donating to the Chief Minister’s relief fund, help has be flowing in thick and fast.
Acknowledging all help being provided by the citizens, Social Welfare Minister Kyrmen Shylla on Tuesday said COVID-19 has given an opportunity to the people to display their best qualities.
Though the virus has hit the world badly, it has united people in the state in this hour of need, Shylla remarked.
“For a long time individuals have thought about themselves only but now all has changed which is a good trend”, he added.
Hoping that a cure for COVID-19 is found soon, Shylla wished that this trend of “love and compassion for all” should continue even after the threat of the pandemic passes.
To a query on whether social welfare relief was reaching the masses and benefitting the target beneficiaries, Shylla said he has not received any complaints so far.
He, however, added that once the lockdown is eased, he will call for a review meeting to discuss and identify the problems if any and move forward.
Also in charge of Disaster Management, Shylla said that as far as the state’s preparedness is concerned, all departments have been working together and fighting as a team to keep the state safe from the pandemic.
