The Naga Students Union Bengaluru (NSUB) on Monday urged the Nagaland government to prioritise the processing of the special financial package announced for the Nagas stranded outside the state.
The union made the appeal after many Nagas working in companies and hospitality industries outside the state have lost their jobs and are unable to procure their daily needs in the wake of the nationwide lockdown.
This reporter received a few mails from some stranded Nagas that they had applied for the assistance but yet to get any response.
On April 21, chief minister Neiphiu Rio said the state government will provide immediate cash assistance to the citizens stranded outside the state owing to Covid-19.
He said a patient will be given cash assistance of Rs 20,000, a professional or working person will get Rs 4,000 while a student will receive Rs 3,000.
Principal secretary (home), Abhijit Sinha on April 25 a total of 9,800 applicants have been verified and an amount of Rs 1.63 crore had been disbursed through direct bank transfer to the accounts of 4,159 applicants till April 24.
NSUD general secretary Paul N. Rengma said the special financial package announced by the state government came is a great relief to many stranded Nagas and can help cater to their daily needs.
He said the Northeast student leaders of Karnataka had an emergency meeting with the nodal officer of northeastern states Srinath Joshi, who is the deputy commissioner of police, south east division, Bengaluru to discuss issues arising of the lockdown.
The Nagaland students were represented at the meeting by NSUB president Mughato Kiba and adviser Nuthipru Nienu.
Issues relating to non-payment of salary in hospitality industries, racist attack, house rent, groceries and medical emergency cases were discussed.
Joshi assured to provide full support and cooperation and help solve all the issues arising out of the lockdown.
“The Northeast people in Bengaluru should not think they are alone,” Joshi was quoted as saying.
The Naga Task Force Bengaluru is currently helping in providing free rice, dal, oil and groceries to the stranded Nagas in Bengaluru and reached out to more than 1000 affected Nagas so far.