Mysore/Mysuru: Chairperson of Karnataka State Commission for Women R. Pramila Naidu launched a blanket distribution programme organised by KMPK Trust at the foot of Chamundi Hill here yesterday morning. The blankets were distributed to the shelterless, roadside vendors and Pourakarmikas to keep them warm this cold season.

Speaking on the occasion, the Women’s Commission Chairperson lauded the efforts of Pourakarmikas, who kept the city clean even during COVID-19 pandemic by risking their lives and added that it was the responsibility of everyone to protect their health. She urged the roadside vendors and the homeless to make use of various schemes initiated by the                                               State Government.

Congress leader N.M. Naveen Kumar, who also spoke, said that though the State Government has brought various schemes for the welfare of roadside vendors and the homeless, it was not reaching the beneficiaries. He urged the officials concerned to see that the schemes reach the genuine beneficiaries.

Pointing out that shelter homes in city should not become like prisons in the minds of homeless people, but should be a rehabilitation centre, he said that the present economic state is forcing the shelterless to depend on mass feeding places for food and sleep in front of temples and pavements exposing themselves to extreme cold conditions. He urged the Government to increase the number of shelter homes and provide food for them.

DTS Foundation President D.T. Prakash and GSS Foundation President Srihari also spoke. 

Former Corporator M.D. Parthasarathy, Jeevadhara Blood Bank Centre Director Girish, industrialist Apoorva Suresh, KMPK Charitable Trust President Vikram Iyengar and others were present.