Maharashtra to distribute rations and aid to the sex workers of Mumbai during the corona induced pandemic

Maharashtra Government extends its helping hand to the Mumbai sex workers

Thursday, 26th November 2020

Maharashtra to distribute rations and aid to the sex workers of Mumbai during the corona induced pandemic

Maharashtra Government extends its helping hand to the Mumbai sex workers

November 25, 2020 11:09:25 am

The pandemic-triggered lockdown has given a massive blow to the financial condition of all the sections of the society. In such a situation the government of Maharashtra had decided to mete out financial aid as well as 5 kg of ration kit to the sex workers of Mumbai until the end of the pandemic. Nearly 5600 sex workers are likely to get such aid and ration support.

Each of these sex workers is likely to get Rs 5000 each month and also 2 kg rice & 3 kg wheat. The children of these sex workers who are school going will be receiving Rs 2500 each month as online educational support.

The vast community of sex workers were going through a serious crisis as their business was suffering due to the pandemic. Physical distancing regulations had paved the way for a dearth of customers for them. In the month of September Durbar Mahila Samanvay Committee which is an association of the sex workers had contacted the highest court of the country, the Supreme Court with the grievance that there was major dearth of food, shelter and money amongst this community due to the pandemic.

On the 29th of September the Supreme Court of India had directed the states of the country to supply dry ration to the sex worker communities without asking for any ID Proof.

The department of the State Women And Child Development (WCD) has chalked out a list of about 5600 sex workers until now. Their 1592 children too have found a place in this list. This list was framed with the assistance of the Mumbai District Aids Control Society (MDACS).

 While dry ration is likely to be meted out without the insistence on any sort of ID proof, the government of the state has however insisted on the bank details as well as the Aadhaar number for the Rs 5000 worth direct benefit transfer each month. “An NGO has to write a referral letter identifying a sex worker. What happens to those who are not associated with any NGO, how will they get financial aid? Most do not even have a bank account or Aadhaar card,” said Priti Patkar from the NGO Prerana.

In counter argument, Prema Gadge who is the Deputy WCD officer for the city of Mumbai, however said that Aadhaar card as well as bank details are vital to make sure there isn’t any sort of duplication. “We need bank account details for direct benefit transfer…”

The News Talkie Bureau

Source

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/maharashtra-to-give-rations-aid-to-mumbai-sex-workers-during-pandemic-7064420/