As many as 22 distribution centres, out of 42 planned for Hyderabad, began releasing grants on Friday, the second day of the exercise. Although social distancing guidelines were implemented inside the centres, a melee was witnessed outside them, as well as at the ATMs. He added that 200 policemen have been deployed at the Ehsaas Programme’s distribution centres. “They aren’t just letting people crowd spots, in complete disregard of the threat of the coronavirus, the distribution centres are also violating the lockdown,” he complained. The official said while the lockdown was relaxed for nine hours, from 8am to 5pm, the distribution centres worked for 12 hours, from 7am to 7pm.

Source: The Express Tribune April 11, 2020 07:41 UTC