Join officials and serve food: CM tells activists

“The statement issued by the government on Sunday was misunderstood and it was not meant to ban the distribution of food. On the contrary it was advised that activists can work along with district administration, officials to distribute food following social distancing,” Palaniswami said in a statement.

After the lockdown was announced, those in dire need of help were provided food by private players, NGOs and political parties but on Sunday, a statement from the CM had stated that such activities would be barred because social distancing norms weren’t being followed. However, many NGOs and political parties, including DMK, Congress, MDMK, AMMK criticised the government and wanted the statement to be retracted. DMK President M K Stalin had slammed the move, saying whoever had issued the order was “heartless” and wondered why someone wanting to help people should be dissuaded from doing so. MNM chief Kamal Haasan had also flayed it.

The Chief Minister said if social activists and NGOs wish to distribute food for a particular locality or

to a particular section of people it can be done by the revenue officials designated for the purpose. Incidentally, one of the 12 committees constituted by Palaniswami as part of the state’s fight against COVID-19, all headed by IAS officials, was dealing with such volunteers and service organisations and the work was being coordinated properly. Already more than 2,500 NGOs and 58,000 social activists have registered with the government through stopcorona. tn.gov.in for distribution of food to elderly, disabled and destitutes and they are working closely with the district administrations, Palaniswami added.

There is no ban on NGOs helping people with food during the corona lockdown, but there has only been a change in channel through which food is being distributed, Chennai Police Commissioner AK Viswanathan said on Monday. “Those who want to help can approach the police or corporation officials with their food or essential items.” The Commissioner was interacting with reporters after distributing face shields for traffic police personnel in the city. Viswanathan pointed out that those who want to help those struggling during the lockdown can seek help from officials.

“During floods and cyclone, all NGOs and social activists were allowed to help affected people. But now the situation is different. There was no epidemic at that time,” he pointed out.