Amethi has been leading by example, by arranging deposit and withdrawal mechanisms at the doorsteps of area residents, via micro ATMs of the postal department. This is a relief compared to the account holders who have been standing in long queues outside banks to withdraw money.
This is a brainchild of enigmatic Union Minister Smriti Irani, who is the member of Parliament from Amethi Constituency, and keeps a watchful eye on the proceedings with the help of her team and district officials.
After she directed district officials through a videoconference on April 6 to ensure glitch-free transfer and withdrawal of money put in the accounts of hundreds of beneficiaries in her constituency to tide over the coronavirus crisis, District Magistrate Arun Kumar arranged for the micro ATMs in view of the possibility of huge gatherings that would have violated social distancing norms.
Almost all gram panchayats in the district now have been given this ATM facility, the DM said.
A total of Rs 22.11 crore has been disbursed to 67,125 beneficiaries in Amethi. As many as 7,843 people have been given old-age pension, with financial help also given to 6,011 destitute women and 1,079 physically challenged persons.
As many as 4,726 daily wagers and workers have been transferred Rs 1,000 each in their bank accounts. As many as 3.70 lakh women have been extended help of Rs 500 each.
Amethi district administration has also ensured arrangement of home-delivery of essential items to people at their homes through 708 shops.
Such commendable steps taken by Smriti Irani in such a short span of time after the Virus hit India speaks of her commitment to serving the people and working towards nation building with zest, innovation and a spirit that builds the entire community, block by block.
