Medha Patkar demands aid from PM CARES Fund for stranded labourers

Staging a protest at Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh for immediate resolution of the problems faced by stranded labourers, activist Medha Patkar on Monday demanded that aid be provided for the labourers from the PM CARES Fund.

Barwani:Activist Medha Patkar on Monday held a protest in Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh demanding immediate resolution of the problems faced by labourers stranded due to the coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown.

The Narmada Bachao Andolan activist alleged that the restrictions were imposed without any planning and that there was no coordination between states and the Centre.

"The labourers left their homes without taking their salaries. They should be given foodgrains for their survival, if not free then at a nominal cost," she said.

"They are walking helplessly on national highways. They are not accommodated on trucks carrying produce of their labour. The arrangements made for the students should have been done for the labourers also, but this country lacks such simple understanding," she added.

Appealing to social organisation to take up this matter by staging non-violent protest, Patkar demanded that aid be provided for the labourers from the PM Cares Fund.

PTI