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Delhi

More likely to die of hunger than from COVID-19: DCPCR on migrant exodus

NEW DELHI: The children of migrant labourers are very much vulnerable to the current situation of COVID-19 as well as the exodus in Delhi. The observation report of the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) reads that daily wagers and their families including small children who are leaving Delhi are worst hit by the pandemic and they are more likely to die of hunger than from Coronavirus.

According to the child rights body, in the current scenario their main goal is to ensure that these families do not leave the city as children will be the worst sufferers. "We have met over 130 families living near construction sites, asking them not to leave Delhi and that they will be provided with help. We are also informing them about steps taken by the Delhi government for their safety and food," DCPCR official said.

The official added that covering long distances on foot with an empty stomach will have a worse effect on the children. "Social distancing is another major issue. We have seen people, children gathering at one place to catch buses for their native place which is unhealthy," the official said, adding that they had provided some essentials to the families they met.

Rita Singh, a DCPCR member said that they have also identified five places in three districts from where they will prepare cooked food and later distribute to needy people. Self-help groups and local people have come forward to help the Commission in preparation of food.

"Around 3,000 children are living in various child care institutions and we are regularly keeping a tab on them," she added.

According to the observation report of the child rights body, a lot of families including children are stuck somewhere and need immediate support in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. Commission has constituted a team with other stakeholders to identify the most vulnerable people, with a special focus on children and provide them with essential materials and assist the children in reaching home after taking necessary preventive measures.

"We are also looking for those poor children who were working in Delhi and alone," an official said.

Roop Sudesh Vimal, another DCPCR member said that they have planned to reach out to 1,000 vulnerable families

and also sex workers living in GB Road area to ensure supply of essential commodities to them.

"We are regularly getting information regarding needy people struck in various parts of Delhi and we are trying to reach out to them," he said.

The child rights body has also written a letter to the Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (DTIDC) which reads that due to lockdown, a number of children and their families are stranded in bus stands. They are not receiving any assistance from any agencies.

"Under such circumstances, you are requested to provide food and medical aid to these children," the letter reads.

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