If the workers really believed that the package was helpful, they would not have started their long march home. The challenge will be to ensure that the free foodgrains reach the beneficiaries. They should not be denied free foodgrains; their presence in the village should be enough proof of their existence. It would be deceitful if this amount were to be included in the ₹1.7 lakh crore package, as seems to be the case. At a time of crisis when India unites, the lockdown should not mean a lockdown of the rights of the working poor.

Source: The Hindu March 29, 2020 18:45 UTC