Rookie MLA's no rice outburst amid pandemic woes
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: June 12, 2021 -

OTHER than his most devout workers and close relatives who may equate him to a hero-figure, it is unlikely that many would be amused with Khurai MLA L Susindro's assertion that PMGKAY rice will not be distributed to the entitled beneficiaries of his assembly constituency who do not get vaccinated against Covid-19.

Though his intention seems to be driving home the message that vaccination is the best option at this juncture to prevent the spread of the contagious disease, the first-time legislator must have hurt the sentiments of substantial number of his own electors, who for varied reasons have been fretting from taking the jabs in-spite of the MLA facilitating mass testing and vaccination at different localities.

Ever since the outbreak of the noble coronavirus, every section of the society or sector has been affected for months with the poor people bearing the brunt of the pandemic the most.

Considering the infectious nature of the virus, governments across the world have been devising various mechanisms to break the chain of transmission, scientists continuously working to develop the most efficacious vaccines to eradicate the malaise and the frontline workers toiling to keep the damages at the minimal level.

Pending end of the contagion, curtailing livelihood activities and prohibiting movement of people remain few viable means to keep the pandemic under control.

Amid such hard times besetting the masses, the government of Manipur has been imposing certain restrictions on distribution of relief items in virus affected localities even if effectiveness and objective of such strictures are questionable in view of the distribution activities continuing at different places.

Moreover, considering such a challenging situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced extension of provision of food-grains under the PMGKAY programme till November, which many see as both acknowledgement ofthe suffering of the citizens and to help the healthcare workers tackle the pandemic by ensuring provision of staple food grains at the doorstep of the beneficiaries, most of who are either poor daily wagers or workers in the unorganised sectors.

Thus, the assertion of MLA Susindro that provision of food grain to the unvaccinated people of Khurai constituency would cease from next month is akin to rubbing salt to the wounds.

He also seems to be ignorant of the fact that spread of the virus would be abated when people move around in search of two square meals a day while ensuring provision of rice and other basic commodities would encourage the unsalaried class of the society to remain indoors.

He needs to take note of the fact that in-spite of Covid-19 vaccines rolled out and vaccination drives currently on in full swing in many countries worldwide, there are many who are still reluctant about taking the jab, fearing reactions, despite assurances and promises by authorities and medical experts.

Similar to vaccine authorities in several countries regularly educating the masses on safety and test results with an aim to bring down their fear factor, the MLA would be doing a great service to his electors if he endeavours to convince everyone to get the Covid vaccine and contribute their mite in defeating the pandemic instead of scheming for their starvation, which would exactly be the case if the people are denied their basic rights.

Moreover, as member of the ruling entity, MLA Susindro shouldn't pretend to be ignorant of the Union Health Ministry's declaration in December last that getting vaccinated against Covid-19 will be voluntary.

In case, the ministry's advisory can't be remembered then he shouldn't feel embarrassed to learn a lesson or two from another rookie MLA M Rameshwar of Kakching, who upheld the principle that Covid-19 testing and vaccination should be voluntary.

It is also advisable that Susindro fully utilises his youthful energy to reach out to the people and explain to them in clear terms that receiving the complete schedule of the vaccine will help protect one-self against the disease and also limit its spread to the close contacts including family members, friends, relatives and co-workers.