Can we be the voice of the Poor & Needy?

We as a nation were in euphoria, when our Honorable Government took extreme measures to evacuate our fellow countrymen stuck in different parts of the world to bring them back home safe amidst Covid-19 pandemic. Air-India and India Air Force charters were the bankable options. As has been the case previously, they performed admirably in the current crisis. Most notable amongst these were Operation Wuhan (723 Indian Nationals, 43 Foreign Nationals & 15 tonnes of Medical assistance including Masks, Gloves etc.) & Operation Italy (263 Indian Nationals). This was indeed praiseworthy as the Government showed empathy and care for Indians across the globe. A job well done and we as Indians rightfully felt a sense of immense pride!

In the course of the past month and half, we have seen the Covid-19 crisis getting grimmer and more serious within India. Janta Curfew (14 hours of self quarantine on 22 March) was a success and a failure. Success because many of us self quarantined ourselves and failure because an equal number of them in large groups took to streets celebrating foolishly in the evening.  While most of us have been asked by our respective organizations to work from home to promote social distancing, the seriousness of the situation still has not dawned upon a majority of populace. Some were seen getting together, partying endlessly, while others (poor & needy) just had to go and earn their daily bread. It probably left the honorable PMO with no option to go in for a 21 day lockdown to disrupt or break the chain and bring some semblance of orderliness.

I do not doubt the intention of the complete lockdown, but am quite appalled at the preparation of the Central and State Governments to implement this. There was significant confusion on the ground over what will be available (basic necessities) and what will not be. Every large city of this country attracts migrant workers/laborers, coming in every day to seek better opportunities/livelihood. I am quite sure the respective State Governments, bureaucracy and city municipal corporations will know the percentages of such poor and needy migrant workers/laborers. These are daily wagers, who at the knowledge of loss of livelihood, will pack their bags and head back to where they came from.

Why am I writing this blog? Gut wrenching visuals of multiple such families walking back from Bangalore to Bellary, as all state transport buses were off the roads the first day of the lockdown. Each of them carrying their kids, walking – oh god, if this cant move your heart, nothing will. Bangalore to Bellary is 300kms and a 2 day walk. Add to that its peak summer already. They found some help from the police who gave them some food to eat and water to drink @ Nelamangala Toll Plaza. I don’t even know if all of those who I saw on TV have made it back home. The painful thought lingers on!

Over the last 2-3 days, there are many gut wrenching visuals of these daily wagers lining up to get back to their homes. Have taken the liberty to put out a few below. People have flocked bus stands and probably increased their own risk to be affected and be carriers of the Covid-19.

I will be provocative here, as the situation has moved my heart like none before. A few simple questions to the Central/State Governments, bureaucracies and other Government Functions:

1. Are these poor and needy, daily wagers not Indian enough to deserve more empathy and care?
2. While we hail efforts of the Government to fly people out of affected countries, why are we letting the poor & needy within the country unattended? Could we not have possibly put out a contingency plan for them on the lines of – basic medical check, providing them masks & gloves, some counseling on dos and don’t, food and water assistance and most importantly ferry them to their native using the State Transport buses that we have at our disposal? Alternatively, provide for community shelter and food to help them navigate the first few days, while the contingency plan to ferry them is put to order
3. Why do we always have to be reactive and responding to crisis? Can’t we be proactive and deliver for the poor and needy?

 I have seen some progress over the past few days with some states taking the lead with buses pressed into service, Dial In Numbers for assistance, Food and Water being organized and relief shelters/camps being set up to help. The Government has also decided to help with grains and pulses to the 80 Crore needy population of India (https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/govt-to-provide-5-kg-grains-1-kg-pulses-for-free-over-next-3-months-fm/articleshow/74827003.cms?from=mdr . ) Kerala deserves a special mention. I hope other states take a cue and expedite delivery of services to the needy.

Are these measures enough – maybe not. I just hope they evolve quickly and help the poor and needy. This is probably the time, when Government and Bureaucracy’s effectiveness in delivering to the vast majority will be tested.

The bigger worry is around the equal access to quality healthcare to the 130 Crore Indians. That would imply testing kits, early detection, quarantining the affected and treating them to stop the pandemic. Do we have enough doctors, healthcare workers, hospital beds? That would need a broader discussion and another blog!

I would also by means of this post, encourage you all to contribute to the PM-Cares, CM Relief Funds and any NGOs of your choice so that poor and needy are tended to. There are already handsome contributions coming in and the hope is that these contributions will reach the needy.

I would also encourage you to pay your maids their full salaries. This is surely a short-term burden that we all can & must carry on our shoulders to help them run their families with minimal disruption.

Let us do our bit by honoring the 21-day lockdown and staying home. Let us every day pray for the entire humanity to come through this pandemic.

Last but not the least, let us smile, keep our chins up, fight these tough times together. Together we can and will win!

Jai Hind.