Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong today attempted to undo some of the damage he did to himself and the government yesterday when he said that people should give up eating meat if they are facing financial difficulties because of the Covid-induced lockdown.
The faux pas was widely slammed by the public but Tynsong tried to make amends by saying that he really does understand the pain of the common man, though he would not commit the government to extending direct financial aid to the people.
“Some people said, ‘you talk so harshly’. Please don’t feel bad because I have to use those words – there is no way out. Not only the government, but each and every one in the state is having to go through this painful situation,” the Deputy CM said.
“We will make sure that unlike last year, when the stock of food grains was low, this time the food grains will be easily available,” he added.
The central government has pledged to supply 5 kilogrammes of grain free of cost per head per family over and above their regular quota of rations for May and June.
The allocation for May has been released through the fair price shops, Tynsong said.
