The lockdown in India caused mighty inconvenience to millions but it was inevitable and surely a move in the right direction to avoid community transmission and save lives. In fact, we were slightly late in declaring the lockdown, as engineering defections in MP and attempts at holding ZP elections in Goa were more important to the BJP, both at the Centre and in Goa, and, hence took precedence over steps to prevent the spread of the virus.
It is commendable that we have been able to contain the spread, to some extent, despite our billion odd population, congested cities, ghettos, slums, abysmal standards of hygiene and sanitation, etc. However, the economic situation, the distressful employment scenario, the pathetic condition of our daily wage earners, the magnitude of anticipated job losses, the expected salary cuts, the loss of income of the self-employed and those in business are staring in our face, as never before and will not stop the march to a real disaster. Let us pray and hope that we will not face more starvation and suicide deaths than from Covid-19. The time for using diversionary tactics and attempting to divert people’s attention to less important or irrelevant issues is over. Neither the banging of thalis nor the lighting of candles nor the showering of petals by IAF and the Navy, on hospitals treating Covid-19 patients, can bring relief to the millions who will struggle for survival. The near Rs 700 crores spent on this unnecessary show of gratitude could have been better utilized to provide vital protective equipment to the same heroes. The Government has been conveniently oblivious of the ridicule and severe criticism it has been subjected to, with such acts of infantilism and superstitious beliefs. The time has come for real action, to put thinking caps on, bring all relevant people together, including economists and opposition to help the people rather than concentrate on projects, which can wait until things normalise. When world economies will suffer tremendously, it is not difficult to fathom what awaits us. This is not being pessimistic but realistic.
The truth is that India, unfortunately, has been eyeing the space and the moon and indulging in pseudo nationalism and ultra patriotism paying little or no attention to the plight of its poor in the country. Hundreds of godowns are rotting with cereals, but even in this crisis, they are not being distributed to the needy. Till recently, the Govt. was readying to charge full fare to the poor migrants returning to their homes by train, until the Congress put the BJP to shame by offering to pay their fare. We are known for making business out of people’s misery, of having no compunctions in misusing flood, earthquake or other relief funds or materials, depriving real victims of benefits. The Prime Minister has established a PM Care Fund, where thousands of crores have already come in from expected sources. But may we know the reasons why will it not be subject to the regular CAG audit? Is this the kind of transparency or the slogan “na khaunga, na khane dunga” the “party with a difference” has been talking about? How sure are we that these funds will not eventually be diverted to Party’s coffers to help in “poaching” activity, which the BJP is already known for?
Isn’t it a shame that the Government has no plans so far in place to help the poor labourers, daily wage earners, self-employed, small business, etc many of whom are surely undergoing mental distress and perhaps starvation too, for want of regular income? It is easy for the Government to appeal to employers not to cut salaries or sack staff and to landlords not to evict tenants. How can they help if they themselves are deprived of income? It is here that a responsible Government must step in with financial packages to avoid further deterioration of the employment scenario. This is what many countries, including Germany, have done. This is what the “opaque” fund is meant for.
It is sad that, even at this stage, the focus of Governments is not on alleviating the sufferings of its people. They are worried about their loss of revenue and find people an easy prey, as if they too are not facing the same predicament. In Goa, the coffers are near empty. The eyes are on restarting mining, next will perhaps be casinos. We will never learn any lessons even if worse catastrophes strike us, despite clear indications that air, water and environment have been the greatest beneficiaries of the lockdown. After some States have hiked excise on liquor, petrol and diesel, Goa will not lag behind.
Despite Goa’s Collectors’ instructions that people arriving in Goa would be home quarantined for 14 days, if tested negative, what made the Govt. quarantine seafarers in a hotel in Panjim? Was it to favour starving hotels? If the Companies are made to foot the bill, it could act against the interests of Goan seafarers.
Some Goans may give a sigh of relief that thousands of migrants have enlisted to go back to their native places. But can really Goa do without migrants? Most have Goan ration, election and Adhaar cards. Politicians are worried about the loss of their vote banks. But it is time we ensure they do not have voting rights here anymore, as they have in their native place too and if possible dig as to how they acquired them.
It is also the right time for us Goans to introspect and realize that we need to be self-sufficient. The Government must encourage agriculture, self-employment and small business among Goans and avoid our dependence on other States. Let this pandemic teach us to be humble and not look down upon any type of work or vocation.
(The author is a retired Banker)
