Slice Of Life: 'I don't get any govt benefit as I do not know how to apply'

Every person has a story to share. This column puts the spotlight on the people of Chennai, faces we see but rarely interact with — giving a glimpse into their struggle.

By :  migrator
Update: 2019-08-11 18:19 GMT
Govindammal

Chennai

S Govindammal (60), Fruit vendor

I sell cut fruits on a pedestrian pavement in Periyamet. My husband is an autorickshaw driver. As we do not have a house, we live on the platform. My mother also lives on the same platform. I have a daughter and she is married. The fruit shop is actually hers and I only sell fruits when she is not around. I have studied till Class 6. I have forgotten what I learnt in school, including reading and writing. For the past 10 days, I have been sick and sleeping on the platform covering myself with a blanket. I went to a nearby hospital and the doctor said that my blood pressure is normal and I am not diabetic. But they could not diagnose my illness. I think I am sick as I drink a lot of alcohol. I do not get any government benefits as I do not know how to apply and whom to approach. I hope the government would provide a house for us. The Greater Chennai Corporation officials came several times and collected our details. Whenever they come and enquire about our details, I would expect some kind of help. But I never received assistance from the officials.

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