Punjab sends 20 trains of wheat and rice to other states to help during Covid-19 lockdown

Known as the food bowl of the nation and for its hospitality, Punjab on Thursday came forward to help others states of the country by sending 20 special trains of food grains to ensure uninterrupted food supply to people during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affair department sent 50,000 Metric Tonnes (MTs) of wheat and rice to different states through 20 special trains, said Bharat Bhushan Ashu, minister of the department.

He said all the labour involved in loading rice and wheat were provided masks and their hands were also sanitized, he said, adding that it was also ensured that they maintain due distance keeping in view the health concerns.

A limited staff has been engaged by Punjab Government and FCI to complete this task in a time bound manner, he added.

The Food Department is also working round the clock to ensure supply of essential commodities to its people and.

Meanwhile, door-to-door supply of essential items across the state failed to take off even on the second days of the shutdown. The essential foodgrains, veggies, milk, bread, eggs, medicines etc were not delivered in majority of the districts in urban and rural areas.

People across the state were said to be restless inside home or assembled outside the shops authorised by the administration for the distribution of essential commodities.