Unemployed start selling veggies to earn livelihood

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 31

With a spurt in the demand for home delivery of vegetables due to relaxation given to vendors in the curfew, a large number of unemployed persons have started selling vegetables and fruits in the city.

Mitha Singh, a construction worker from Indira Colony, is now selling vegetables in the streets of Majitha road area. “I stayed inside my house for four days. I don’t have much savings to feed my children. Instead of staying inactive at home, I took my bicycle and a bucket and went to the vegetable market on Saturday. The administration allowed vendors to provide vegetables on the doorstep of residents. I bought two bags of cauliflower and sold in the street. I have saved Rs300 and it is sufficient for my family.”

Keepa, a school dropout from Pandori, has also started selling palak as no one in her family is earning these days. “My mother works as a domestic help. She was the sole breadwinner in my family as my father died in a road accident a few years ago. After the Covid outbreak, she was sitting at home as residents of posh areas asked domestic workers to leave the work. We have only Rs1,500. I bought palak from a local farmer and start selling it. Instead of waiting for any aid, I am buying ration for my family members.”

After the curfew was imposed in the state to contain the spread of Covid 19, daily wagers have been hardships to manage a square meal per day.