TOI impact: Night shelters to give entry without ID proof in Lucknow

LUCKNOW: A day after TOI exposed how people were sleeping in the cold due to lack of any identity proof to get admission into night shelters which have adequate space, LMC conducted a drive on Friday night to accommodate those sleeping in the open.
The drive was conducted in over 39 shelter homes at prominent junctions. Officials also directed caretakers not to deny entry to anyone without ID proof.
The drive was undertaken on the instructions of divisional commissioner Roshan Jacob. She took cognizance of the TOI report and directed the municipal commissioner that no one should sleep outside in the cold, regardless of ID. Municipal commissioner Inderjit Singh said, "The drive was conducted to make sure all persons sleep inside the shelter homes and don't get sick due to harsh weather conditions." He further said many people sleeping in the open were aware that there is no need for an ID or they had other reasons.
In its report on Thursday, TOI drew attention that despite all basic amenities like drinking water, toilets and blankets being available in night shelters, people from nearby cities were denied entry because they did not have any ID proof. There was also confusion between staff and senior officials of LMC. While caretakers said ID proof was mandatory, senior officers denied it.
'Give clean blankets in shelters'
Meanwhile, Jacob on Friday took stock of night shelters and distributed blankets to the needy.
During her surprise visit to the night shelters at Parivartan Chowk, Charbagh (Rain Basera) and Kaiserbagh, she directed the officials concerned to ensure timely arrangements for drinking water, food and clean blankets.
She also interacted with the men and women staying in the night shelters and asked if they are having any issues. She also directed the officers to ensure that doctors keep visiting the night shelters regularly.
She directed zonal officers to keep blankets in sufficient numbers in their vehicles and distribute them to the needy.