GUWAHATI: The Jaintia Students’ Union has appealed to the Meghalaya government to implement new regulations to ensure safe delivery of basic necessities to individuals and households affected by the lockdown imposed in the wake of COVID-19.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, JSU Shillong circle president Treiborlang Suchen observed that those volunteering to supply essentials to the needy could enter any area without restrictions and endanger other people if they were to be carriers of COVID-19.
“The government needs to immediately stop organisations and volunteers engaged in donations and supply of basic necessities to individuals and households affected by the lockdown. The delivery of essentials should instead be made by relief volunteers recognised by the government. The volunteers should be given proper training and wear personal protective equipment before going out for deliveries,” Suchen said.
“However, if the government provides helpline numbers for those who are in dire need of basic necessities, the individuals can directly contact the various authorities for help in providing the residents of the state with the basic necessities along with cooperation and help of the leaders of various localities,” he said.
The students union appealed to associations and individuals wishing to make donations to do so through district magistrates.
“They can also donate cash and food items to the government or to the CM relief fund and the government officials will do the needful and ensure that the donations reach the public through the appointed relief volunteers,” Suchen said.