Volunteers of the Bharathi Seva Sangam (BSS), a trust run by swayamsewaks of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), are working in tandem with the Greater Chennai Corporation and are providing food to the needy sections of society across all 15 zones during the 21-day lockdown to prevent the outbreak of COVID-19 , a BSS member said.
On Monday, Gopalkrishnan, city joint secretary, RSS, clarified that it was the BSS that had been given permission for food distribution along with the Corporation. Earlier, an RSS spokesperson had said RSS volunteers were working with the Chennai Corporation to distribute food in the city.
A number of other organisations, social activists and NGOs too have been distributing food to the needy across the city. Companies such as Ashok Leyland and TVS, and organisations like Akshayapatra are engaged in distributing food and chemical spraying equipment.
BSS has set up a helpline for senior citizens - 044-35893020 - and have so far received over 280 calls with various requests including medicines, groceries and food, a spokesperson said.
Corporation officials on Monday denied any permission being given to the RSS. When specifically asked about this, G. Prakash, Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation said, “No role by any political party in coronavirus management”. An official in Zone-9, said the RSS had not distributed any relief material nor were they aware of BSS providing any relief materials in that Zone.
