Taking Stock: Assessing Distribution and Distress in Gurugram During the COVID-19 Lockdown

A large number of diverse civil society interventions have been initiated to respond to the
lockdown-induced hunger crisis amongst informal sector workers in Gurgaon. Their interventions
have been quick to take off, and have also scaled rapidly and flexibly to meet the emerging and
shifting food needs of the poor in the city.

Gurgaon Nagrik Ekta Manch (GNEM) has been providing an average of 350 ration kits per day
since 27th March, the third day of the lockdown, and about 25,000 cooked meals every day since
4th April 2020. Additionally, it responds to SOS calls and requests telephonically, consolidating and
sharing data about demand with the administration and other civil society groups on a daily basis.

Data analysis using time series data from Gurgaon Nagrik Ekta Manch’s operations in an indicative
manner reveals that despite the hard work of many organisations and individuals, the crisis of hunger
has not abated. A number of early signs were missed and the government’s response has lagged
behind the stark reality of distress. A much stronger, more transparent and coordinated response
is required.

These numbers reflecting the hunger crisis will be much higher if we include data from organizations
such as Agrasar and other members of a collaborative network of civil society organizations.