The coronavirus pandemic that has swept the world in 2020 is possibly the biggest medical crisis to hit mankind. It has forced a large section of the world’s population in an unprecedented lockdown. Countries across the globe are making efforts to counter the rising problem. Some responses have yielded positive results, like Singapore’s rigorous testing and prompt quarantining of positive cases, while in other places situation has escalated beyond repair.
The
threat of the Chinese virus was established in early January 2020 with China
being forced to shut down Wuhan completely. India’s response to the early signs
of threat was rather meek, even though Kerela had reported India’s first
coronavirus case on January 30th 2020. It was only on 14th March that COVID-19
was officially notified as a national disaster by the Government of India.
Meanwhile,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left no stone unturned to impose his persona
and extract maximum public response in these times. The Janata Curfew call was a
huge success, while the clapping and banging utensils drill to express our
gratitude to the frontline heroes of this war was met with great response. As
the cases kept on increasing, PM Modi called for switching off lights for 9
minutes and to light a Diya or a torch. This was an attempt to galvanize the
nation in a display of solidarity and unity. The kind of mass appeal that Prime
Minister enjoys ensured that the 9-minute stunt was also a success. This was at
a time when doctors and police officers were being attacked on duty. Prime
Minister had turned into a spiritual guru with the house already on fire.
There
is no problem in engaging the mass population of our country, especially when
the Prime Minister enjoys such command and appeal. But, PM Modi must realize,
that our country needs more from him than just being a galvanizing force. The
news of doctors and nurses harassed, and police officers attacked every day,
deflate the morale of the frontline warriors. The apathy of the migrant
laborers walking thousands of kilometers to reach their homes questions the
very preparedness of the authorities imposing lockdown. The creation of
PM-CARES fund even with around Rs.3,800 Crores lying idle in Prime Minister
National Relief Fund has only given fresh ammunition to the opposition voices.
Despite
the nation in lockdown for 21 days, there has been no let-up in cases. Mumbai
and Delhi have become the epicenters of the pandemic. The Tablighi Jamaat
fiasco right under the nose of Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi has put almost
every state in danger. Suspension of economic activity has hit the poor hard.
The stimulus package offered by the finance minister is merely adequate. The
poor are faced with a dilemma – They step out, the virus kills them, they stay
in, hunger does. In times of such crisis, the Central Government needs to
formulate a robust plan with the State Governments to ensure nobody dies of
hunger, especially with the lockdown being extended in most states. The
symbolic victories of PM’s tasks cannot overcome the grave challenges that lie
ahead. Symbolism must give way for realism.
Dear
PM, you cannot mess this up like demonetization. If Demon took away
livelihoods, this is taking away lives. As we enter the last day of the first
installment of lockdown, staring at another two-week extension, concrete plans must be made; first to contain
the spread and second and more importantly, devising an exit strategy.
Imposing
lockdown in a country of 1.3 billion people is a tough ask, but the tougher
part is to put together an exit strategy in place. The Thali - Diya brigade of
spirituality should be replaced by meticulous planning and rationality at all
levels. No amount of lockdown would suffice in the absence of a well thought
out exit strategy. And no exit strategy would work without absolute
co-ordination between the Centre and the States. It is beyond vital that a
Centre-State combined task force is set up to ensure the economic activities
are slowly put back on track. There is a need to cut across political lines and
PM Modi should take a lead in ensuring harmony.
India
has always responded in times of distress. The 1991 economic crisis paved the
way for a new India. With India and the world pushed back to walls, this is
Modi’s moment of reckoning. The medical community will eventually find a cure
to the disease. But, the after-effects of this pandemic are to be tackled by
the people in charge. The way PM Modi navigates the ship through these troubled
waters would define India’s destiny for the next decade. In the face of grave
challenges, also lie great opportunities. Dear PM, the photo-ops can wait,
India needs more from you!!
Yes, Perfect measures will save us, not dramas.
ReplyDeleteCorrect.
DeleteWell written, to think of it certainly some CM have been more practical and have been more proactive, with limited means, specially Delhi, Maharashtra and Kerala. Ironically these states have a non BJP Govt.
ReplyDeleteNext 2 weeks and the reforms announced by Govt. Will only make sure India bounces back.
It's time to give. Not take. As the prices of petrol did not fall with fall of oil prices. Same way with lesser income govt. Should think of taxes.
It's BC, DC and AC
Before Corona, During Corona and After Corona.
We have managed just for BC, DC . Hope AC is well planned..
Very rich are not affected. Very poor are taken care through schemes. PM should also not forget the Middle Class.
Thanks for reading and sharing your views. Exit strategy is key now. Without it, we are doomed.
Delete