The All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) commends the efforts of the Kerala state government which has ensured that underprivileged children continue to have access to midday meals by delivering rice, wheat, beans, oil and snacks to their houses through the ICDS. The state government is also providing nutrition to children below 3 years, lactating mothers and pregnant women. The Supreme Court has also taken note of it and appreciated the positive steps taken by the Kerala government. AIDWA demands that these steps must be extended to the entire country.
The situation arisen due to the spread of the deadly Covid-19 virus is adversely impacting the lives of the marginalized sections of the people. Unorganized labour and daily wage earners, a large number of whom are women are facing a grave situation in keeping the home fires burning. The poor people are faced with a spectre of increasing hunger and malnutrition. This will further endanger their health as a result of lowering immunity.
AIDWA demands that the Central Government urgently release increased allocation of food grains to all the states. There is a huge stock of 7.5 crore tonnes of food grains in the godowns. Instead of allowing these food grains to lie rotting in these godowns, it must be distributed free of cost to all the vulnerable sections of the population. AIDWA demands that the central and state governments take proactive steps as taken by the Kerala government to help the poor overcome the critical situation that they are facing today.
