Release MLADF to fight COVID-19: Joykisan

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Apr 3: Congress MLA Kh Joykisan has urged the State Government to allow utilisation of MLA Local Area Development Fund (MLADF) in helping people suffering under the 21-day lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking to media persons today, Joykisan obser- ved that people have been enduring a very difficult situation following the outbreak of the highly conta- gious novel coronavirus or COVID-19.
All the MLAs ought to help the Government in ensuring that essential com- modities are accessible and affordable by the public, Joykisan said.
He then urged the Government to come out with an announcement that MLADF can now be utilised in combating the pandemic.
He also expressed keen desire for all the MLAs to take pro-active roles toward reducing the people’s misery by way of releasing half of the total MLADF earmarked in the budget.
Distribution of rice and dal to the people of Thang-meiband AC above 18 years of age was done in consultation with the Thangmei- band United Club (TUC) and the Thangmeiband Ken- dra Development Organisation (TAKDO), Joykisan said before conveying gratitude to the volunteers of TUC and TAKDO.
Distribution of rice and dal for second phase would begin from April 6. As such, persons aged 5 to 18 years  may take rice and dal from their respective ration agents starting from April 6.
Newly married women whose names have not been inserted in the voters’ list of Thangmeiband AC yet and who were left out during the distribution of rice and dal in the first phase may also collect the same items from the respective ration agents  by showing voter cards of their husbands, Joykisan said.
As each AAY beneficiary has been already given 5 Kgs of rice against the total quantity of 35 Kgs entitled to them, the remaining 30 Kgs of rice would also be distributed through ration agents starting from April 6, said the Congress MLA.
He said that a Thangmeiband Kendra COVID-19 relief committee has been constituted with 31 members. Interested persons and business communities and others who wish to donate money to the committee for combating the pandemic may do so through the Bank of Baroda’s account no 10160100011969 either in cash or by way of online transfer.