JOIN USThe Northeast helpline, set up during the exodus of northeasterners in 2012, is facing serious shortage of funds and lacks full-time staff to man the facility.
The helpline, a joint effort of around 50 organisations and several individuals - all under a group by name Peace and Solidarity Forum - was started with the purpose of providing assistance to northeasterners living in the City.
Dr Rini Ralte, President, Northeast Solidarity said that members had been maintaining the helpline by spending money from their own pocket and were finding it quite difficult to ensure its functioning. “We definitely need assistance in terms of funds. For example, rendering assistance in lodging complaints and giving out help to people require money. Members are pitching in with whatever they can as of now,” she said.
Gouthaman Ranganathan from the Alternate Law Forum who helped in setting up the helpline said that more than funds, there was a serious need of people who can work as staff for the helpline. During exodus, full-time staffers were appointed to take calls and follow up on the complaints. However, it cannot be the case now since the funds collected then have dried up.
“In my opinion, the need for manpower is more. Paralegals, who could be available all the time, are a good choice provided some training is given to them. As of now the board members are taking turns to take calls,” he said.
The helpline, which was very active during the period of the exodus, is almost inactive presently. It was revived only a few months ago in a small way. Moreover, the Helpline number has changed and a few know the new since it had not been given much publicity.
“We realise that we do not have many resources as of now. We also do not have the capacity to respond and follow up on every call which is why we have kept the new numbers low key as of now. We will gradually make it more active and find a way to further fund it,” Ranganathan said.