COVID-19: 6 Problems That the Government needs to Solve

In the previous analysis, we discussed that there are rumors that the lock-down may be extended, and we also presented an alternative solution that the government could employ instead of the lock-down, which would be just as effective, but would ensure that the economic stability of the country is not threatened. If you have not read the article yet, check it out here: The Lockdown: An Alternative Solution

However, it turns out there a lot of other serious problems that people are facing. When we say people, we mean students, parents, doctors, workers, everyone. So, our team talked to these people and tried to figure out what their problems might be and if there was any way to resolve it.

 

(Source: ABC News)

Well, we are a blog with a limited reach, but we thought to write about these problems nonetheless, so that maybe by some luck it would reach the concerned authorities and some action could be taken on these. 

In this article, we are going to deal with 6 things that the government should be doing instead of extending the lock-down which would be beneficial for various members of the public. 

So, let’s get started: 

More Testing: Fairly obvious and quite an intuitive point, but yet several people underestimate the importance of widespread and random testing, especially at this juncture where the danger of India going into Phase 3 is much higher than ever. We need more and more testing to gain a better clarity on whether or not the virus is actually under control. While the government has announced that all testing will be free, several private labs have been opposing this move, citing revenue concerns. This needs to be overcome and adequate amount of testing kits need to be sent to each and every state so that the requisite measures can be taken. Recently, the Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee gave a statement that though the state had asked for 1,00,000 kits, they only received 3,000. The lack of testing kits and protective equipment for medical staff should be dealt with as soon as possible. 

(Source: BBC)

Agriculture: This is another major issue on which there has been no official communication from the government so far. Since Baisakhi and harvesting season are just around the corner, this is the time when farmers harvest their crops of wheat. This will be nearly impossible to do because of the lock-down. Also, the shortage of labour will be a huge factor. Earlier, labour usually came in from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, something that will no longer be possible in these times. A lack of any intimation on the government’s part has led to fear among the minds of the farmers: What happens if they cannot harvest their crops? Will it all go to waste? How will they feed their families? Does the government have a plan? If so, what is it? No one really knows.

(Source: Deccan Herald)

Stock Market Crisis: We have written several previous articles about this as well. The Stock Market has been in a freefall for the greater part of last month. While this month has certainly seen a few improvements, they are insufficient to help people in recovering their losses. Several thousands of people have lost millions in the recent stock market crash. Several companies have also suspended dividend payments. This is troubling for those who are dependent on the return from their investments for their sustenance. Another major factor to consider here is that if the crisis doesn’t abate very soon, then the RBI will launch high-interest government bonds in order to raise money from the public. This is something that the European Union is also doing, and they have been termed Corona Bonds. They are guaranteed by the entire EU as a whole. However, this will have an adverse impact on the share market. Government bonds have almost no risk of default, and issuing them at this time will only give more strength to the bears in the market, thereby driving down the prices of stocks even further. 

(Source: Economic Times)

Better Quarantine Facilities and Stricter Regulations: We need better quarantine facilities to house those who are at a high risk of being positive. These include anyone who has come into contact with a Corona-Positive patient in the past 72 hours. In India, given the overpopulation and lack of resources, this is a Herculean task to do, yet it has to be done if we are to have a fighting chance of stopping the virus. Also, we need stricter regulation, something that is not tainted by religion or politics. Events like the Nizamuddin Markaz by the Tablighi Jamaat are really what are gradually pushing us towards Phase 3, and this cannot be allowed to happen. The police need to have greater autonomy in making arrests and disbanding crowds. This is certainly something that the government needs to look at for the greater good. 

(Source: The Economic Times)

A Multi-Party Committee to Mitigate the Virus: A separate committee needs to be formed, with representatives from each state and major party in order to jointly defeat the virus. There will be no politicization if the meetings of this committee are held live and visible to the public, so that it is visible to all who is actually working for the country and who is trying to disrupt the efforts of the rest by only attempting to score brownie points. While this is very unlikely to happen, the Union Government needs to realise that it needs the support and co-operation from all the states and parties in order for their schemes and plans to work, and for this, it is very essential that these states be allowed to have their say. 

Information regarding Exams and Placements: CBSE exams have been postponed indefinitely, and until now there is no definite news as to when (if at all) the exams will be held. The same is true for the ICSE Board as well as several other State Boards. All major colleges have also cancelled their exams with no intimation as to how the students will be graded in the absence of a proper evaluation. In other news, several American firms have rescinded their offers to IIM graduates passing out this year due to concerns over Corona. Since the government or Ministry of Education has not given any clear indication as to what plans they have in mind for the students, several students are worried and stressed out about the exams. All entrances and competitive exams like JEE have been postponed as well with no clear information.

 (Source: The Week)

These are some of the main issues that people are facing. We believe that these issues are of paramount importance, and that the government must address, if not solve, these issues as quickly as possible to soothe fear and ameliorate the situation. 

If there are any other problems you are facing or any topic that you would like us to analyze, kindly drop a message in the comments section below. 

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Jai Hind!

-NK