Goa has been relaxing on an unrealistic pretence that the pandemic ravaging has been comparatively softer on Goa and thus we are in for a reality shock with the Second Covid Wave that’s hitting us now.
We the people of Goa had an advantage over Covid but the same was wasted not once but time and again by ill-fated policies of our government. From the doomed ‘Quarantine Tourism’ to the current half-baked SOPs, the inefficient pandemic management of Goa government has been continuously taunting Covid-19 and now the Goan people are paying the price for the ill-fated pandemic policies of this government.
Goa government has been following an unhealthy trend of prioritising economy over health and welfare even in pandemic times and it’s the basic reason behind the government’s reluctance to impose stringent restrictions within the State and at our borders.
It’s an accepted fact that economic activities sustain the population but prioritising economy over human life is not acceptable in any society. The strength and versatility of a government is tested in crisis and Goa government has failed Goans in this pandemic crisis.
The recent SOPs of 50 per cent permissibility in casinos, bars, restaurants, parks, etc, defeats the very purpose of restrictions and Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in its entirety. Our Police Force is exhausted and confused to fathom a way out to control public movement in view of the ill-conceived SOPs which can be best classified as purposeful distortion of law and order by the government itself.
Thus the current measures are just not impactive to rein in the uncontrollable Covid-19 spike. A ReThink involving elected representatives and medical experts is warranted immediately to chalk out an effective action plan for control, containment and immunisation.
Border entry restrictions is the biggest weapon in assisting containment. With tourists inflow down to a trickle, it’s most opportune to restrict entry with Covid negative certification only.
Exams postponement of HSSC was another undue contest between the government and the students. This confrontation could have been easily avoided by issuing postponement on the heels of CBSE postponement and similar action is expected on the cancellation of SSC exams without any more fuss.
Horrific tales of deaths due to oxygen shortage, non-availability of beds and basic medical amenities, hoarding and stealing of vaccines, medication, etc, should not happen in Goa for which Goa government has to initiate preparedness on emergent basis.
Despite the shortcomings, the Goan people still expect Dr Pramod Sawant and his government to sort out the crucial lapses and lackings and act vigorously to restore administrative vibrancy and ensure proper Covid management to save Goan lives.
