Baramulla: With an aim to highlight the role of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in north Kashmir during the ongoing Coranavirus pandemic, Chairman Human Aid Society, Bashir Ahmad Mir, today addressed a joint press conference in Baramulla.
He said that soon after Covid-19 positive cases surfaced in the district followed by complete lockdown, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr. G. N Itoo sought immediate intervention of NGOs to help the administration in containing the pandemic and reaching out people with relief.
“As administration called us, NGOs from across Kashmir extended their full support and swung into action for massive relief and aid operation among needy, poor and affected people during the pandemic. In north Kashmir’s Baramulla district 11 NGOs were roped in but 7 seven worked actively,” said Mir.
He informed that Human Aid Society which is a community development and infrastructure support social organization leading in coordination of the delivering of humanitarian aid and assistance was declared as Mother NGO to coordinate the efforts of NGOs. District Social Welfare Officer was designated as District Coordinator NGOs and all NGOs worked in close coordination.
“2919 families have been provided relief in cash, 5345 masks, 235 PPE Kits were distributed, 70 patients were provided ambulance service, Covid-19 campaign was run for 38 days including announcements and awareness, 2 water units were established and a medical camp was organized. Total expenditure by NGOs is 47, 27,779 so far,” he informed during the press conference.
He said that partner NGOs which worked for relief are Jammu and Kashmir Yateem Foundation, Help Foundation, Northern Blind Federation, Anhad Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir PET Welfare Society and Borderless World Foundation.
“We support all community and social groups and NGOs in developing a coordinated approach for the delivery of humanitarian aid in consultation with local communities, public and private sector organizations and district administration,” he added.
He said that in the absence of 4G internet, NGOs faced lot of problems in reaching out to their donors and the people whose money run these social organizations so they faced lot of restrictions, however, organizations managed the crises with meager resources.
“We are highly grateful to our donors and those people who came forward with large scale donations. Volunteers of the organizations risked their lives to reach out needy and poor people and delivered the aid which shows the commitment of our social organizations and NGOs. We proved that nobody sleeps hungry but we need to move ahead with same spirit,” he added.
