'VDF yet to be included in FLW list'

IMPHAL, May 9
All Manipur VDF Welfare Association expressed dissatisfaction at being left out of benefits or schemes for Front Line Warriors and their demands to have their wages increased falling into deaf ears.
The association said, in a statement issued today, that 10,000 VDF personals are working at various locations spread over 16 districts, they are standing guard at Covid care facilities, containment zones, clinics etc. in the wake of the second wave of the pandemic which is considered to be more deadly.
Shops are selling essential items at an unusually high price, this also adds another burden to VDF personals who also have a family to feed.
Even though VDFs are labelled as FLW in media, there are no official orders to claim so, added the statement.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh had said that the Government will discuss the idea of including VDF in the list of FLWs, so that they can avail the insurance meant for FLWs in incidence of death due to COVID-19.
He had asked the VDFs to submit in writing which the association did but has not received any official orders on the same, added the statement.
The association added that if in the coming days all the 10,000 VDFs were to stop working for fear of the virus and lack of benefits being made available to other FLWs, the VDFs should not be blamed.