During lockdown, two indviduals identified and fulfilled the varied needs of a community of workers near HSR Layout. Can Bengaluru evolve a model to support such communities locally, they ask.
Gopal, Treasurer of the Karnataka State Construction Workers’ Union, describe how the COVID-19 lockdown has pushed workers into further poverty and desperation.
Since the lockdown began, Vasanth Nagar RWA developed a system to procure, pack and supply groceries to those in need. They have distributed 1200 grocery bags so far.
About two weeks ago, BBMP officials surveyed around 1000 migrant workers stranded in Mahadevapura and Doddagubbi. But they have since been unresponsive as workers desperately wait for food.
Domestic workers who aren’t welcome to work anymore, cab drivers and street vendors who can’t go out – informal workers in the city are a frustrated lot as they have no work or wages anymore. Many are unable to meet basic expenses for food and rent.
Despite initiatives for food supply, large numbers of migrant workers in Bengaluru remain hungry during the lockdown. You can document these workers, either to pass on their information to ward officials, or to supply food directly.
As several migrant workers were left without subsistence following the lockdown, three residents of Sadashivanagar went around to identify them, pool resources and then distribute rations.
