Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Apr 25: “The government does not understand the agony of hunger. Is it sufficient if they ask to maintain social distance? The government gave nothing to daily wage workers and is in slumber,” said MLA U T Khader. He was speaking after distributing ration kits to Mangaluru based 650 auto-rickshaw drivers and owners in front of Kallapu unity auditorium.

“It is the duty of government to help auto-rickshaw drivers, tempo drivers, maxi cab drivers, tailors and daily wage workers. But as the government has failed I have personally distributed ration kits in the preliminary stage to the auto drivers. Those who faced the pangs of hunger have come to receive kits but maintaining social distance has become difficult. There are more people suffering due to hunger than coronavirus here. The government should wake up at least through the programme today,” he said.

“The district administration and the government should understand the condition of auto-rickshaw drivers who stood in hot sun for two hours to fill the stomach of their families. This programme is not for distribution of kits but to awaken the district administration and the government. People would not have stood in line for kits if the government had helped them. They were wearing masks here and I am confident that they will be careful at their homes too. Kits were distributed only to people in my constituency today. I have to distribute them in village limits also. The spot for their distribution is identified and those will be distributed by maintaining social distance,” he said.

Nagesh Thokkottu, municipal councillor Basil D’ Souza, former councillor Usman Kallapu, Dinesh Rai and others were present.