The second wave of the pandemic has once again brought back the horrors of last year that too on a much bigger scale. While thousands are taking their last breath every day, the situation has affected the homeless to the level of starvation. This is what struck Rajasthan Police.
In a noble move, Jaipur has trained 40 homeless people to cook and distribute free meals to over 4,000 COVID patients in the city for free of cost.
According to the ANI report, the initiative has employed the one-time beggars who were skilled in cooking under the Rajasthan Skill and Livelihoods Development Corporation (RSLDC)’s scheme. They were picked by the Rajasthan Police who were earlier living on the street and involved in various drug abuse cases. They are now helping as a cook,
“They have changed as people. Earlier, they had to look after themselves now a feeling of service can be seen in their selfless attitudes. They are not asking for money,” said Jitendra Pratap Singh, Director, Sopan Institute to ANI.
This program started in January 2021 by RSLDC after getting the suggestion from the Jaipur Police. The vagabonds were subsequently registered at Sopan Institute, Jagatpura which has now collaborated with Akshaya Patra Foundation that serves free food in Jaipur.
“A lot of training was required for the workers. However, now they have taken the task on themselves and have proved to be quite “laborious”, striving to make a move ahead in life,” quotes the production supervisor.
These destitute turned chefs work in two shifts, in a group of 15 each. While many are busy inside the kitchen, others take care of the maintenance of the institute where they are housed. Utmost hygiene is maintained while rolling out the services. The premise is frequently sanitized and the temperature of the workers is constantly monitored.