#21DayLockdown: Arvind Kejriwal promises Delhi won't face shortage of essentials
What's the story
There will be no shortage of essential commodities during the 21-day lockdown imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday, Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal assured residents at a press meet a short while ago. Sitting next to L-G Anil Baijal, Kejriwal said he saw people lining up to stock up essentials last night when there is no need to panic. Here are more details.
Lockdown
PM Modi shut India, said country needs to fight together
In an unprecedented move, PM Modi announced the nation will be locked down for 21 days, starting Wednesday. He said, "There is no other way to control the coronavirus except social distancing. Social distancing is for everyone and not only citizens." He promised essential needs won't suffer. Till now, coronavirus has infected 562 people and killed 10 across India.
Appeal
Leaders urged people to neither panic, nor hoard essentials
Even before his speech ended, several residents flocked to stores to stock supplies. In some areas, people disregarded precautions about distancing, prompting PM Modi to put another tweet. In bold letters, he asked people to not panic. Reflecting the same thought, Kejriwal said today that there will be problems, but Delhi is fully prepared to ensure that essential goods reach residents.
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Will ensure no one remains hungry: Kejriwal
"We will do our best to make sure nobody goes hungry. This is a difficult time for all of us. We are not saying there will not be problems, but we will do our best to make sure everyone is looked after," Kejriwal added.
Twitter Post
Rain Baseras are providing food to poor
Free meals being provided by Delhi Government at a 'Rain Basera' on Baba Kharak Singh Marg. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lt Governor Anil Baijal had assured in the media briefing earlier today that no one will sleep hungry in the city during #21daysLockdown. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/MidHoc7hDI
— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020
Details
Media professionals need to carry ID cards always
Clarifying about essential services, Kejriwal said health workers and media professionals will be allowed to go about their work as long as they can furnish ID cards when cops ask for it. He added that shopkeepers selling vegetables and groceries have been urged to get in touch with the government for an e-pass, that will allow them to function during the lockdown.
Home delivery
Adityanath doesn't want people to step outside homes
Other states too are taking steps to relieve people of stress during turbulent times. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, for example, announced that essential items like food, milk, etc., will be home delivered and 10,000 vehicles have been readied for the same. He also told that 15 lakh daily wage laborers and 20.37 lakh construction workers will get Rs. 1,000/month for their needs.
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Have enough essential items in stock: Adityanath
"I would like to assure the 23 crore people of Uttar Pradesh that we have enough stock of essential items like vegetables, milk, medicines, etc. For the safety of you and your family don't step out of your houses and maintain social distance," he said.
What he said
And KCR said disobeying lockdown might prompt 'shoot-at-sight' orders too
Separately, Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao has taken a more stringent approach towards the lockdown. "If people don't follow the coronavirus lockdown, a situation may arise where we'll have to impose a 24-hour curfew and issue shoot-at-sight orders," KCR said, soon after PM Modi addressed the nation. He also asked ministers, MLAs, and corporators in Hyderabad to come on streets to enforce the lockdown.