Parvesh Sharma
Tribune News Service
Sangrur, May 20

Having lost temporary jobs during the pandemic, many physically challenged residents are living in penury in the absence of financial aid from the government.

The meagre government monthly pension of Rs 750 is of little help to them in these trying times when the inflation has risen sharply.

“Before Covid, I used to make Rs 350-400 daily and it was enough to make ends meet. After the pandemic, my earnings have dropped to Rs 100-150. At the same time, the prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed. The state government should come to our rescue,” says Mohd Anwar, a tailor from Malerkotla.

Harvinder Singh, who along with wife Karmjit Kaur is 80 per cent disabled, says he has been without work for the past one-and-a-half months as his employer has shut the small factory where he worked.

“Though we get Rs 750 each as monthly pension, it isn’t enough even to purchase grocery items. I have two children and we need money to continue their studies. The state government is making big announcements for all sections, but they have completely forgotten us,” he says.

While some had received help, including ration and vegetables, during the first wave, they had been left out in the open during the second wave.

“The help we received last year is missing. The administration, NGOs and social workers had provided essential commodities to all, but this year no one has approached us,” laments Kuljeet Singh, another resident with special needs.