THESE are absolutely testing times both for the government and the people, and collectively they have to fight the challenge of Coronavirus and emerge stronger from this situation. Heavy responsibility rests with the government to provide adequate support to those rendered jobless due to the current lockdown in the country. PTI government indeed has been prompt in the endeavour to reach out to the disadvantaged segments of the society who in fact are facing the major brunt of Coronavirus. Especially Prime Minister Imran Khan in his each speech and address has shown special concern for the poor and daily wagers. In the first place, the government started disbursement of cash assistance of twelve thousand rupees each to the deserving families under which millions of rupees have so far been paid out in the most transparent manner. Now going a step further, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday launched Ehsaas Ration Portal to help the private and philanthropists to reach out the most vulnerable segments of the society with food and ration. Just like Ehsaas Cash Emergency program, this ration scheme has also its own significance which will provide a platform to the philanthropists to establish direct links with the deserving families and provide them with essential commodities. In the present circumstances, it has become all the more important to save the people from starvation and hunger and time warrants that the affluent class including the private sector is more forthcoming and contribute to this program. In fact it is the responsibility of every person who can afford to help the people in distress especially in the holy month of Ramadan. The registration of the deserving families on the portal especially in the far flung villages and towns may be an issue and here the Tiger Force needs to be activated to help these families listed so that they could take advantage of this ration scheme. Through Utility Stores, the government must provide free ration in the areas where it does not find any donor. Then, as the government is heading towards easing restrictions in a phased manner, it is important that work on the road infrastructure projects is started immediately as it could provide immense job opportunities to both the skilled and unskilled workers.
