Port Blair, Apr 13: The All India Kisan Sabha(AIKS), Andaman and Nicobar Unit expresses serious concern over the problems being faced by the common people and farmers of these islands after the imposition of lockdown in the country due to the pandemic of COVID-19. In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, A & N Administration, the President of Kisan Sabha, Dr. Gouranga Majhi pointed out various concerns of the common people which has made their life more difficult during the lockdown period. In his letter he demanded for a mechanism to provide financial benefit to the farmers, labourers and other workers in the unorganized sector as has been announced by the govt. of India for the workers in the organized Sector. Dr. Majhi while conveying his apprehension on the meager increase of Rs.500 towards the pension given to the Old age and Widow Pensioners, stressed upon the need to increase the existing pension to atleast Rs.6500 which could help these beneficiaries to meet their monthly expenses towards essential requirements including their medical expenses. The President, AIKS while pointing towards the challenging life of the poor people living in the Kutcha Makaan(Jhopdi), requested to provide some financial assistance for the maintenance of their huts before the commencement of monsoon. He also asked to provide seeds, fertilizers, insecticides and other required items on subsidized rates or free of cost to the farmers living in various parts of these islands who were also badly affected during the lockdown with their produce getting damaged due to the restrictions imposed on the transportation of vegetables and other agricultural produce. The issue of supply of free LPG cylinders to the poor people who are not covered under Ujjwala Scheme was also brought to the notice of the Chief Secretary and requested to provide free LPG cylinders to all the poor people who cannot afford to buy the same until the situation is normalised in the country.
