A CORRESPONDENT
HAILAKANDI: To counter the scarcity of face masks, women SHGs of Hailakandi have set up mask selling corners to cater to the need of the public. Since the inauguration of first mask sale corner in Hailakandi town under the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM) on April 29, 18,320 masks have been sold till now. Another mask selling corner was inaugurated by District Development Commissioner (DDC) cum Project Director, DRDA, Vikram Dev Sarma at Katilcherra block on Friday.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Sarma said, "During the coronavirus pandemic, the demand of masks is increasing. To keep the highly contagious disease at bay, wearing of mask is essential. All these masks have been made by women self-help groups under the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission." The district administration has made wearing of masks and face covers mandatory.
The DDC appealed to the public to buy these products of the women SHGs as one of their family members comes out to buy essential commodities and remain indoors to protect themselves from viral infection. Sources said that 72 women SHGs under ASRLM in the district have produced 1,41,898 masks till date.
The residents of Hailakandi, Katlicherra and other places across the district appreciated the endeavour of ASRLM, Hailakandi, to cater to the need of the public by making available masks at reasonable price at a time when masks are being sold at an inflated price owing to acute shortage and unprecedented demand.
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