Will ensure smooth supplies in Maharashtra despite lockdown: Bhujbal

March 24, 2020 22:17

"Let me assure the people of Maharashtra that even though the nation will be in a 21-day lockdown, there will be smooth and adequate supply of food and civil supplies.

"Even the prime minister in his address to the nation said that the supply of essential goods and services will continue," Chhagan Bhujbal, Maharashtra food, civil supplies and consumer protection minister in the state told Rediff.com over the phone.

Bhujbal has categorically assured the people of the state that there will be continuous supply of foodgrains, vegetables, milk and all other essential commodities and people should not throng these shops and vendors in panic.

"While Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not elaborate upon this a lot of people have started panicking and rushing to buy their daily needs and stocking up on supplies. Let there be no panic," he said.

"I am categorically assuring the people of Maharashtra that under any circumstances in this 21-day lockdown ration shops will continue to function normally, you will get your milk supply, we are also working towards smooth supply of vegetables.

"The machinery that takes care of supply of these essential commodities has been exempted from the purview of this lockdown. We have adequate stock of foodgrains and other commodities.

"There is no scope for any misunderstanding and fear-mongering. Shops selling these vegetables, milk, and food will remain open and they will continue to do their normal business."

"My humble request to the people of Maharashtra is not to gather in large numbers at these outlets. Let only one member from one household go out to buy essential household items needed by your family without stocking up on items more than required."

"As the minister responsible for food and civil supplies, I would like to urge the people of Maharashtra, through Rediff.com, to not give into panic and rest assured that they will get all their supplies of daily needs in an organised manner," he said.

"The state government and local law and order machinery will allow one member per family to go out and buy whatever is needed. The state government will make all the efforts to spread this message across Maharashtra and will continue talking to the media to disseminate our message and resolve."

-- Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com

IMAGE: People lined-up outside a super market in Mumbai to buy essentials after PM Modi's announcement of a nationwide lockdown on Tuesday. Photograph: Ashaish Narsale/Rediff.com

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