Government has failed us

A local leader called us at his residence and promised to extend financial help, but he failed to keep his word. The government has failed us. It is beyond my understanding how the liquor vends (pointing at one situated nearby) remain open 24x7 while we are asked to wind up at 5 pm. —Adalti Ram (40), A roadside tailor

Small workers need some assistance

The government should identify small workers like him in the informal sector and provide them with some aid. In the pre-Covid times, I earned about Rs500 a day. Now, I am not able to earn even Rs50. As the markets are closed most of the time, I don’t find people on the road. Most people opt for an e-rickshaw. —Jaswinder Singh, A rickshaw-puller

My earnings have reduced to nil

Never in his lifetime has he felt such helplessness. My earnings, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, have reduced to nil. On some days, fruits rot as I don’t find any buyers. People have now started ordering fruits online or buying these from big retail stores. This is really a very tough time. —Samudi Ram, a fruit seller

Can’t fight this hardship for so long

I survived the first lockdown because residents helped people like me. We depend on day-to-day earnings. It is very difficult to fight this battle of hardship for so long. We may not survive unless the government does something. Officials come to get our roadside stalls shut but never ask about out well-being. —Ida Deen, A shoemaker

We are facing a double whammy

Covid has made the rich even richer and the poor even poorer. There is no business because people avoid physical touch while buying anything. We are facing a double whammy of no financial help from the government, and the increased prices of cooking gas and daily household items. —Joginder Singh, Roadside vendor