A large number of diverse civil society interventions have been initiated to respond to the lockdown-induced hunger crisis amongst informal sector workers in Gurgaon. Their interventions have been quick to take off, and have also scaled rapidly and flexibly to meet the emerging and shifting food needs of the poor in the city.
Gurgaon Nagrik Ekta Manch (GNEM) has been providing an average of 350 ration kits per day since 27th March, the third day of the lockdown, and about 25,000 cooked meals every day since 4th April 2020. Additionally, it responds to SOS calls and requests telephonically, consolidating and sharing data about demand with the administration and other civil society groups on a daily basis.
Data analysis using time series data from Gurgaon Nagrik Ekta Manch’s operations in an indicative manner reveals that despite the hard work of many organisations and individuals, the crisis of hunger has not abated. A number of early signs were missed and the government’s response has lagged behind the stark reality of distress. A much stronger, more transparent and coordinated response is required.
These numbers reflecting the hunger crisis will be much higher if we include data from organizations such as Agrasar and other members of a collaborative network of civil society organizations.