Written by: Ashish Jain, Student, School of Law, Auro University
This article describes the after situations of the strict lockdown in India to combat coronavirus and strengthen medical resources, with stringent decisions and effective messaging, use of digital technology, federal and innovative measures, global and diplomatic outreach. The Government approach is holistic, which is described under the heads of PESTEL Analysis (Political, Environmental, Social, Technological, Economical, and Legal). Decision and regulations for public welfare and economic boost for nation, have been dealt in the following writing.
As per the official declaration of WHO, Coronavirus also known as COVID- 19, is an infection disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The death rate is not the major concern, but the spread capacity of virus is, as it had forced numerous powers of world to shut down operations. As per experts whoever gets contaminated of virus would experience slight or temperate signs and might recover without any special treatment, but ventilator systems might be required for low immunity people as urgent support system for lungs.
Whatever happened in India as the effects of this virus spread, the Government of India in my opinion is trying its best the mitigate the issue with a holistic approach, to aid the needy, to provide safety to patients, regulate testing, revive economy and economic activity, help out weak neighboring countries, and many more.
The Government of India has taken collective approach to develop a proper structure for fighting the virus spread in India. The holistic approach is based on PESTEL Analysis, which includes Political, Environmental, Social, Technology, Economical and Legal System. PESTEL Approach is a very systematic and informative practice in numerous fields as to proper management and a positive response.
The Political approach means and include the government policy implementation, political stability, foreign policy, and steps of govt. to promote healthy measures. During coronavirus spread in India the political leadership of India has played the major role in implementation of Lockdown, promoted inter-state and state–union relations, with proper working of essential services during the lockdown and afterwards. The Central and the State governments have collaborated with each other to prevent the situation of Famine. [1]
The Environmental approach means and includes Environmental policies, working of NGO’s, promoting ethical working. Since the spread of virus, theories says that it is a result of environmental disaster originated from Wuhan, China. Therefore, Indians believe that this war could end by environmental substance as vaccine to the virus infection. Baba Ramdev claims Tulsi, Ashwaganda, Giloy as resistance to the virus and Ministry of AYUSH has also advices to use such herbs for safety and immunity boost.
Social approach means and includes population, health, religious and cultural activities. India with a huge population had the more dangerous circumstance than the present, which the lockdown helped to mitigate. On the other hand lockdown forced many to migrate or many had no jobs, for this problem govt. with numerous NGO’s tried to distribute food packets, help labors and unemployed to maintain life. Through the social approach Modi Government has transferred monetary support to Farmers (PM KISAN scheme), Wage increase for MNREGA workers, Jan Dhan scheme, Ujwala scheme, Self Help Groups, Collateral-free Loans.[2]
During lockdown the essential service were working, proper supply chain was permitted, and healthcare centers were set up. PPE Kits, Masks, Sanitizers and Ventilators were being manufacture all over India. Migrant workers are the most affected and vulnerable community, constantly bearing inhumane wrath of Covid-19. [3]Miseries and distress of migrant workers worsened by Covid-19, compelled them to abandon their place of abode and leave for their hometown, rupturing their right to shelter.[4]
Technology approach allowed the screening at large scale, and Application developments for safety and security of public health. Numerous economic activities began operating online and reduced additional expenses. Technology development help everyone to connect, learn, and earn. From educating and informing the public about the novel coronavirus to combating fake news, contact tracing, catering to emotional well-being and supporting the underprivileged financially, technology played a pivotal role.[5]
Economic approach means and includes the economic operations, and its scale, global connect, financial viability, maintain proper flow of money. Government of India with RBI offered 20 Lakh Crore package to mitigate the worse effects of Coronavirus. Furthermore, Share Market operations by SEBI during the lockdown allowed huge investment in corporates from domestic and foreign investors. The banking system allowed govt. to directly transfer monetary allowances to the poor population. Through the economic approach, Government has taken liquidity measures, relief for MSME, NBFC, and numerous regulatory measures to boost economic activity after lockdown.[6]
Furthermore, Legal approach of Govt. to implement Disaster Management Act, 2005 and The Epidemic Disease Act, 1897. Such legal measures ensure the implementation of official advisory in all states with proper functioning and administration. The Epidemic Disease Act, 1897 authorizes state government to take exceptional and strict measures to reduce the spread of virus. Also Govt. implemented regulations as per the requirement to fight corona virus. The Centre in order to curb the novel coronavirus has invoked section 10 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to monitor and implement of the emergency national level plan via the cabinet ministry.
All in all, to combat against such confrontational situation a nation requires an adequate legal framework which provides the authority with appropriate strength to fight against such pandemic diseases. Our country is trying its best to save its citizens from becoming a prey to this pandemic disease Coronavirus (COVID-19) but there is also a needs to make the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 more staunch. As this Act is the base on which the whole procedure to fight back depends.[7]
According to numerous analysts worldwide, Indian Government’s response is remarkable, but it needs more of public support to reduce the ill effects of Corona virus and Lockdown. The citizens have to act responsibly for the humanitarian cause. Seemingly, India is navigating through this crisis well.
The crisis has highlighted the importance of state and city governments in the delivery of public services, something that the national government consistently fails to acknowledge in its design of policies in this sphere. But, areas, where the national government could and should have done more, included the rapid development of testing capabilities and access to protective equipment.[8]
References [1]Impact On Constitutional Rights In Response To Coronavirus Pandemic. 2020. Impact On Constitutional Rights In Response To Coronavirus Pandemic. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-2348-impact-on-constitutional-rights-in-response-to-coronavirus-pandemic.html. [Accessed 19 August 2020]. [2] KPMG. 2020. India- Measures in response to COVID-19 - KPMG Global. [ONLINE] Available at: https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/india-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html. [Accessed 19 August 2020]. [3] Ibid 1. [4] Ibid 1. [5] India’s Response to COVID-19: A Soft Power Perspective | USC Center on Public Diplomacy. 2020. India’s Response to COVID-19: A Soft Power Perspective | USC Center on Public Diplomacy. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.uscpublicdiplomacy.org/blog/india%E2%80%99s-response-covid-19-soft-power-perspective. [Accessed 19 August 2020]. [6] Ibid 2. [7] The LAW Learners. 2020. COVID-19- A PANDEMIC BOUND BY LAW. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.thelawlearners.com/post/covid-19-a-pandemic-bound-by-law. [Accessed 19 August 2020]. [8] The Financial Express. 2020. Coronavirus pandemic: India’s response to Covid-19 - The Financial Express. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/coronavirus-pandemic-indias-response-to-covid-19/1972936/. [Accessed 19 August 2020].
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