He would be quick to retrieve his words if he saw the number of cases I attend to daily.

As a case manager in the social service sector, I attend to an overwhelming number of cases every day. All seek the same thing - financial assistance.

While the Chinese, Malays and Eurasians have their ethnic self-help groups to act as a one-stop solution, I fail to see this in the Indian community.

It is usually the last resort when the needy seek self- help groups like Mendaki and the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC).

Self-help groups offer assistance that is not always monetary. It may be employment or even subsidies.

In the case of needy Indians, Sinda has not been able to provide holistic assistance.

The primary focus is on educational assistance, programmes for children and voluntary programmes. While some of these programmes may have been highly successful, they fail to address the concerns of those who are financially strapped.

I find myself drained of avenues to refer needy Indian clients to agencies for holistic assistance. For example, when a Malay client approaches us for assistance, we assess the case. If he is ineligible for our schemes, we refer him to Mendaki or the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis).

If an Indian is ineligible for our schemes, he is left with no options. Sinda provides financial assistance in selected cases. For example, if an Indian is featured in a newspaper article, Sinda will take immediate action.

Why should immediate assistance be given only to such people?

I have seen the plight of many needy Indian families. When they approach Sinda for specific assistance, they are sent off with NTUC vouchers and, at most, a pack of rice.

There is no proper referral to other agencies for follow-up.

I urge Sinda to prioritise on giving assistance to the needy.

If Sinda cannot provide holistic assistance, I am afraid many Indians will fall through the cracks and not get themselves out of the poverty circle.

Naresh Raj