To ensure the safety and security of the frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19, hundreds of local tailors, SHGs, UMEED volunteers across Doda district have been roped in to prepare masks on a large scale. These include a number of local women including those in far-flung areas of the district. Amid lockdown restrictions when there is no other source of income to the local artisans and SHGs, this campaign initiated by the district administration not only opened a new employment avenue for them in face of adversity but indirectly resulted in peoples’ participation in the fight against the pandemic. A unified rate of Rs.6.00 per masks has been approved by a designated committee.Besides these the protection gears for Doctors, paramedics, sanitation workers and service providers serving in the administrative quarantine centers are also being manufactured locally in Doda, to make them feel safe working with the COVID 19 suspects.The step was taken by the administration in wake of shortage of masks in the local market in the district. Deputy Commissioner Doda, Dr. Sagar D Doifode, speaking on the initiative elaborated that the decision to make masks at the local level was taken in mid-march to ensure universal use of masks. These locally manufactured masks are cheap and easily available, making them accessible for the public.The District Administration is also distributing masks free of cost to BPL families on local level by using the services of PRIs, BDC councillors/Chairman and some government departments. In the first phase nearly 1lakh face masks were distributed and the process of distribution of 2 lakh masks is being ensured by FCS&CA department Doda in the second phase. A target of making 4 lakh masks has been set for the district by the end of this month.