Asaram, 29, Gardener, Rajokri Pahari, Delhi.
Photo by: Rajwant Rawat
Asaram came to New Delhi from Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, a decade ago. Before the lockdown, his family wife, two sons and two daughters survived on his monthly earnings of about Rs 12,000.
With work drying up, Asaram’s savings won’t last beyond another 15 days. His landlord Mange Ram has waived the monthly rent of Rs 1,700 and even offered monetary help.
But Asaram, who has no bank account and is not a beneficiary of any government scheme, knows he cannot depend on such mercies. He wears a mask, but finds it tough to maintain hand hygiene and social distancing.
Soap and water don’t come free, so I cannot keep washing my hands all the time. We take whatever little protection we can and have left the rest to God, he says.
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