Govt bars NGOs, private groups from distributing food

If these groups intend to donate to public, they should handover the material to the local administration, the CM’s statement read.

“Many private players, NGOs and political parties, while distributing the food to public, do not follow social distancing and this has the potential to spread the virus. Distributing food during lockdown is also a violation of the prohibitory orders and violators will be subjected to legal action,” Palaniswami said in the statement. Since the lockdown was announced, many private players, NGOs and political parties started distribution of cooked and other essentials to the public who were in need of food.

Youth organisations across the State were actively involved in food distribution work and they mainly focused on marginalised sections such as gypsies and leprosy patients etc. However, there were complaints over the distribution process as many private players did not adhere to the norms of social distancing. The Chief Minister said that dedicated kitchens were already setup across the State for food distribution to the needy. “If the public wishes to help people they can donate to the Chief Minister’s General Relief Fund or if they have uncooked food items they can be given to Chennai Corporation Commissioner and District Collectors so that officials can distribute to the needy following norms,” Palaniswami said. Uncooked food items can also be given to Municipal Commissioners, Executive Officers of Town Panchayat, 0ther officials.

Actor and MNM president Kamal Haasan on Sunday took exception to the government over the decision. “Our government is refusing to accept the helping hands...This is not time for commission or omission. People are watching,” he tweeted.