A big shout-out to the many DCs of Delhi Government, the Delhi police, corporates and the many
well-wishers and supporters of Chintan who have helped us to provide ration kits (which include
sanitary napkins) to feed 30,000 people, one has far as Palwal. Most of these have been
wastepickers, who are unable to earn during this time. Many have children. A few are widows
living by themselves. One had infant twins. Our plan is to continue procuring ration kits from
the vendors who have been so supportive of our work and supplied us with pre-packed ration kits
even during the complete lockdown. We plan to give out more rounds of ration, so every
wastepicker in our ambit is able to feed their family till mid-July. We don't expect that it
will be possible for them to earn before that due to the very real danger of COVID19. We’ve
also been able to procure items in kind for migrating workers, a recent outreach activity to
register them and convince them not to try to walk home. In keeping with the Niti Aayog’s call
to deliver assistance to vulnerable groups and fight COVID19, our team and volunteers have been
braving it out in the heat, delivering these kits, one family member at time, making lists of
the recipients and ensuring no body is left out. Our work with children includes training them
to wear masks made at home, stay home and keep a social distance from everyone else. We’re
calling families to reassure them. We’re adapting as the situation evolves so we can help
communities optimally. As the situation improves, we will also set up hand-washing stations for
the long run, to prevent both COVID19 and other illnesses. Special thanks to other supporters
who have joined hands and brought other items to distribute. Thanks to Central Government
officials have helped us link migrants with nodal officers nationally. Again, thank you to all
in this joint effort.
Want to help? Contact Chitra Mukherjee at chitra@chintan-india.org
