In view of Nation-wide Lockdown in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, South Eastern Railway has come forward to fulfill its social commitments and responsibilities.
South Eastern Railway, till 27th April, 2020 has distributed 2,42,813 free and hygienic meals to the destitute, poor and needy people nearby and outside railway areas at Headquarters & all over its four Divisions viz. Kharagpur, Adra, Chakradharpur and Ranchi.
The global pandemic has created an unprecedented crisis leaving large section of poor people in a state of starvation. The worst hit victims of lockdown are daily wage labourers, porters, rickshaw pullers, beggars, slum dwellers, homeless vagabonds etc. including their family members.
Out of total 2,42,813 meals, 64,555 meals have been served and distributed by Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) utilising its Base Kitchen infrastructure located in South Eastern Railway stations with the help of Commercial Department. The rest 1,78,258 free meals have been arranged for distribution by Security & other departments of SER.
Various associations viz.South Eastern Railway Women’s Welfare Organisation (SERWWO), SER Bharat Scouts & Guides, St.John Ambulance Brigade, Civil Defence, etc have also joined hands in this mass food distribution activities.
Foods have also been distributed through the field units of SER over its jurisdiction and employees are also distributing foods at their personal level or jointly to the needy and poor people. Apart from cooked meals, SER employees are also distributing ration packets containing rice, pulses, potatoes, onions, edible oil, spices, biscuits etc.
This distribution amongst the poor and needy people has been done adopting adequate safety measures and social distancing and imparting best practices in this situation.
