Vadakara: Food packages are still being sent to the ‘Akshayapatra’ scheme, introduced by the Vadakara police for the poor, even after 100 days. The scheme was introduced by former DySP of Vadakara P.P. Sadanandan, following example of a similar scheme introduced by him in Kannur. The idea behind the scheme is not to let anyone go hungry in the town.
Vadakara police have opened a counter near the traffic unit, where freshly prepared food can be stored inside a food chiller. Per day over 50 packages reach the counter. Various sponsors have been arranged by the police and a collective called Athazhakoottam. A normal day would find an average of 30 takers for the food parcel during noon and around the same number later at night. Arrangements are also in place to ensure that nobody takes advantage of the scheme.
Families have also started contributing to the scheme on special occasions such as weddings, upon prior notice. The police are planning on observing and rehabilitating the regular consumers, who are mostly homeless and poor.
The 100th day celebration of the scheme was organised by Vadakara police and workers of Athazhakoottam collective.