Lower-middle class says they are neglected lot in lockdown

Mahesh Sharma

Mandi Ahmedgarh, April 2

While many social and non-government organisations are distributing essentials to the needy, people belonging to the lower-middle class claim they are among the worst sufferers as they are not in a position to accept donations publicly.

Victims of disguised unemployment, petty shopkeepers and owners of repair workshops said they were neither being offered help by their friends and family nor they could seek help through helpline numbers issued by the government.

Acknowledging the issue, social activist Navdeep Sharma said he had been approached by some families who sought help as they were caught in an awkward position.

“One such case is that of a tutor. She refused to accept my donations so I tried to help her by giving an advance payment of tuition fee of our children for the next session,” said Navdeep.

The former district governor of the Rotary International District 3090, Amjad Ali, said he was in touch with some lower-middle class families which could not be labelled poor but are in not in the condition to run their houses in the current situations.

“Comprehending this awkward situation, Rotarians have decided that to act on the proverb ‘Charity should begin at homes’,” said Amjad Ali.

The activists of the All Banks Retiree Forum, led by Kedar Nath Kapila and Sushil Nagar, said they had launched a movement to ensure that no senior citizen of the town slept empty stomach during the lockdown.

Distressed lot

Victims of disguised unemployment, petty shopkeepers and owners of repair workshops said they were neither offered help by their friends and family nor could they seek help through helpline numbers issued by the government.