Kerala warns against misguiding migrant labourers. It set up 24 hour call centres where they can talk to officials in their language. Govt orders for liquor on medical prescription.
Kochi/Thiruvananthapuram, March 30, 2020 (IANS) Migrant labourers presently accommodated at a camp at Perumbavoor near here raised a banner of protest on Monday and Kerala authorities said that anyone who are misguiding them would be strongly dealt with. Meanwhile, Kerala government on Monday night ordered for supply of liquor to those showing withdrawal symptoms if they got certificates from government doctors.
A protest took place at Payipadu in Pathanamthitta district on Sunday and there the issue was they were wanting to return to their states. However at Perumbavoor, the protesting labourers were complained about the quality of the pulses provided to them.
Returning to home State ruled out
Agriculture Minister V.S.Sunil Kumar, who reached the spot, said that things have been sorted out.
“Giving non-vegeterian dishes is not possible, but we will do our best to give them the dishes that they like. Also, we now know that are certain vested interests who seem to misguide these migrant workers and strong action would be taken against those who do that,” he said , while ruling out the labourers’ return to their home state at the moment.
The Labour department on Monday came out with 24 hour call centres in all the 14 districts where those in labour camps can talk to officials who speak their language.
Govt orders for liquor on medical prescription
Brushing aside strong opposition from medical bodies, the Kerala government on Monday night ordered for supply of liquor to those showing withdrawal symptoms if they got certificates from government doctors.
In its order, the government said that following restrictions on account of the national lockdown, all bars, liquor retail outlets and toddy shops have been closed.
Withdrawal symptoms ?
“Following this, suicides have been reported. Hence, there is a need to provide regulated supply of alcohol to such cases and it will be done,” said the order.
It said that patients with withdrawal symptoms will have to get a certificate from a government doctor.
“With the prescription, the person has to approach the Excise Department which will give a pass indicating that the holder can be issued liquor. The exact quantity of liquor to be distributed will be intimated by the department in the coming days,” reads the order.
Leading medical organisations, like the IMA, Kerala Government Medical Officers Association and the Indian Society of Gastroenterology’s Kerala Chapter earlier condemned the proposed move and said they will not prescribe it for being against medical ethics.
