Indian Territorial Army officers distribute ration and hygiene kits in Mumbai

Owing to the nationwide lockdown, there has been a huge impact in several areas and on different communities of Mumbai. Some of the most affected of these are commercial sex workers, transgenders and daily wagers, hailing from slum areas, as well as diligent frontline workers. In an attempt to support these vulnerable groups in Mumbai, officers of the Indian Territorial Army came forward to distribute ration and hygiene kits. The undertaking was conducted in association with Mumbai Police, with the assistance of Additional Commissioner Central Region, Veeresh Prabhu, IPS, with the essential kits arranged by NASSCOM.These kits contain 5 kg of wheat flour, 5 kg of rice, 2 kg of tur dal, 200 gms of turmeric powder, and chilli powder. Along with the ration kit, soaps, hand wash and sanitary napkins, are also being distributed.
Officers who undertook this were Major Pradeep Arya, IRS, SC; Captain Neil Shaji, VSM and Major Sanjay Raole. They distributed the kits in the streets of Kamathipura and Falkland regions of Mumbai, home to sex workers and transgenders. This community is particularly hard-hit as their source of income is incurred daily. “With the support and assistance of Mumbai Police and partnered NGOs, we were able to swiftly implement the first stage of this course. The distribution of the necessary kits began on Friday, 22nd May and will continue among other sectors and regions of Mumbai. Catering to the basic needs, each kit will contain not only groceries but also hygiene products. We aim to distribute 4500 ration kits and 4500 hygiene kits in the first stage.” said Captain Neil Shaji. Additionally, these assorted essential kits will also be distributed to similar regions of Sion-Agripada, Cotton green, Charni Road and Kandivali.
“Our aim with this initiative is to support the vulnerable people and encourage them to stay home and not step outside to buy essentials. I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is complex, more so during these trying times” said Major Pradeep Arya, IRS, SC.
Added Major Sanjay Raole, “On behalf of the entire team, we are thankful to everyone who contributed in every way possible no matter how big or small. A large number of livelihoods are affected by the lockdown, so as our duty we will continue to work towards the relief for the vulnerable groups in the days to come.”