Team Herald
PANJIM: Entering the 21-day lockdown period on Wednesday, Goans across the State went in search of essential food items, which went missing on the very first day.
Though the Central government’s guidelines clearly indicate that shops and stores with daily commodities like vegetables, groceries and milk be kept open, in Goa it was otherwise.
Wednesday morning saw people moving out of their houses in search of essential food items but had to return empty handed as the shutdown was complete. Even milk supply was affected. However, at one or two stores, where milk was available, it was sold at a price higher than the market value.
The government has now decided to launch a Food Helpline number to ensure that essential commodities are delivered to houses of people, as per requirements and demand, from Thursday. Private and public grocery stores and fair price shops will be allowed to take orders and home deliver the products, without opening their shutters.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said that essential food items like vegetables, fruits and other groceries would be delivered to the houses of the people, as per the demand, from Thursday onwards.
Speaking to media persons after chairing a high-level review meeting with officials and MLAs, Sawant said that the State has stocks for 21 days of the curfew and only some essential items will be brought from outside the State.
“We will launch a Food Helpline and Medicine Helpline number shortly. People can place their order through that number and the food will be supplied to their homes,” he said.
He said that government-run fair price shops and other grocery stores will be allowed to deliver grocery items to homes within their area but without opening their shops. “They will have to keep their shutters closed. Those fair price shops and stores who want to go for home delivery should apply to the Deputy Collector for necessary permissions,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the application can be made by going physically or through emails and the required passes would be issued to the store.
“The stores should refrain from overcharging for products so also charging for home delivery. If any such complaint is received, action will be taken,” he added.
Sawant reiterated that people should not panic and all requirements would be met. “This is a testing time, people may face some hardship, but the government will ensure that all the essential food items are made available to the people at the earliest,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that people need not crowd petrol pumps and pharmacies, as they will remain open during the lockdown period.
Several Ministers and MLAs, including Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, have already pitched in with delivery of essential to their constituents at their doorstep, with online orders. The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) was the first to launch the initiative, which received an overwhelming response.
Panjim Mayor Uday Madkaikar said that their online delivery system received a huge response with people ordering items. “People have to either come to CCP entry and collect their order or order home delivery,” he said, adding that a minimum of 1kg per item is being provided to the people. “We have enough stock to take care of around 700 families for now. We have ordered for more stock and only after that we will take a further call,” he said.
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Leader of Opposition demands action plan to provide essentials
Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat has demanded that the government immediately chalk out an action plan to ensure the supply and availability of essential commodities to the people during the lockdown.
He said that as per the Union Home Ministry order, shops and establishments, including ration shops, should be encouraged for home delivery of essential food items. “Government should strictly follow the order and work out an action plan immediately,” he said.
Kamat also demanded that the Chief Minister address the State through All India Radio and other media channels on various measures taken by the government and also issue regular official bulletins.
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Register to be a volunteer for home delivery
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that those who want to help the government during this time as volunteers can approach the nearby police station. They would be screened for infection and then allowed to function as volunteers to provide essentials.
Sawant said that those who misuse the passes would be punished severely. He said that volunteers would be allowed to operate from their respective local areas only for purpose of home delivery.
