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A quick survey (through 'observers' over 50 blocks in 19 districts) of essential services (Ration, Anganwadi, Dal Bhat Kendra, etc.) in rural Jharkhand during the lockdown brings out a grim picture. RTF, Jharkhand reiterates its demands made on 6th April. https://twitter.com/righttofoodjhk/status/1247090965476769792
While Dal Bhat Kendras were found to be running in 42/50 survey blocks. Most of them were underutilized because of insufficient awareness about DBKs, DBKs being located at a faraway place, people's inability to move around due to lockdown, etc. 9 DBKs still charged money. @h_tejas
Some SHG members running DBKs had to spend their own money to procure food items. The community kitchens in Thanas were running in 39/50 survey blocks, but only being used by people living in the vicinity and inaccessible to people who lived far. @abhishekangad @nicholas_puneet
Among 50 observers, 21 responded that ration cardholders still didn't receive April's ration. Only 15 said that they got double ration (Apr-May quota together) as promised. Min 4/50 survey blocks are yet to receive March's ration. Dealers continue to deduct some amount. @samzsays
@HemantSorenJMM's promise of 10 kg foodgrain to those who don't have a ration card but had applied for one doesn't fare well. No effective arrangement made other than Mukhiyas to provide 10kg foodgrain to needy using their inadequate10k relief fund. @aditipriya_0301 @AdityaMenon22
In 18/50 survey blocks, Mukhiyas are not using the GP Rs 10,000 relief fund. Where it is being used, ration provided varies from 5 kg - 10 kg. The fund is also used to set up isolation wards in GP, and is inadequate. @Nidhi @AnooBhu @NihaMasih @Runjhunsharmas
In only 18/50 blocks, THR being distributed from the Anganwadis to pregnant and lactating women. In many cases, THR has not been distributed since Jan'20. 33/50 responded that school children are receiving THR; the benefit does not seem to reach children who live far from school.
Banks remain open in most blocks, but difficulty in accessing services because of movement restrictions, lack of transport and restrictions in withdrawals imposed by some banks. Pragya Kendras open in 29/50 blocks, but using biometric authentication - a possible health risk atm.
None of the health sub-centers running. In 9 blocks, even the block level PHC/CHC didn't have a functional OPD. The state of health centres in rural Jharkhand at the time of a pandemic is such. @MoHFW_INDIA
In 15/50 blocks, observers reported cases of hunger and food shortage in hamlets of marginalised people such as particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs). @sayantanbera @harsh_mander @rameshwar @FinMinIndia @nikhilmkss @kavita_krishnan
In 13/50 blocks, harassment by police has been reported. Which bars people from accessing essential services like banks, Dal Bhat Kendras. In some blocks (Lavalong, Manika, Chhatarpur), fishing got confiscated, young boys grazing cattle got beaten up, etc. @PJkanojia @thewire_in
