A prominent welfare group has provided financial assistance to the tune of nearly BD 7,500 (Rs1,500,000) to 15 families in India who had lost their breadwinners in Bahrain. The Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF) provided the aid, over the past 6 months with an additional of 10 family welfare fund disbursements on the way.
“In spite of the ongoing pandemic situation, we have managed to clear all pending payments to beneficiaries of the Family Welfare Fund support scheme. As per the scheme, the Family Welfare Fund provides financial assistance of Rs, 100,000 (Rupees One Lakh) to the dependents of deceased Indians residing in Bahrain, who earns less than BD 100/- per month. This scheme has been a great support and help to many unfortunate families, who lost their breadwinner” stated ICRF.
Numerous families of deceased expatriate workers in Bahrain have been sheltered by ICRF’s family welfare fund. The scheme from its inception has supported thousands of families. ICRF has also helped in bearing the repatriation costs of the bodies in special cases.
Talks held with the Ministry of Labour
ICRF advisor Bhagwan Asarpota and ICRF Chairman Aruldas Thomas met with Labour Affairs Assistant Under-secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Ahmed Al Hayki. ICRF discussed concerns voiced by expatriates staying in COVID-19 facilities. In line with this, ICRF highlighted the conditions in the quarantine and treatment centre located in Sitra involving poor hygiene among the occupants and the restrooms.
Ahmed Al Hayki assured that the matters have been communicated and the Ministry would resolve and improve the facilities. He further highlighted that more facilities were being prepared and will be ready soon.
Rise in anxiety and stress
Economic slowdown owing to the pandemic has created growing concerns among expatriates. ICRF has reported a rise in cases of emotional distress and depression in the past few weeks.
“To help individuals cope with the situation, ICRF LIFE (Listen, Involve, Foster, Engage) mental well-being posters with numbers to reach our specialist team in times of anxiety is appearing in local print media and social media” stated ICRF.
A team led by Dr Babu Ramachandran handles calls from people on distress, depression or anxiety and provide advice on mental well-being.
ICRF Chairman Aruldas Thomas appreciated well-wishers including business entities such as Al Tawfeek Group, Megamart, Kavalani, Damani, Zubi and Partners, other organisations including Bahrain-India Society, BCICAI, as well as generous individuals who came forward to extend their support financially and in-kind to ICRF in their efforts to reach out to the needy in this Covid-19 pandemic situation.