Every individual saw this lockdown extension coming due to the growing number of COVID positive cases in the country. So when the Prime Minister announced the extension on April 14, nothing was surprising in it. Over the previous weekend, snippets of video conferences and the leaked audio clip gave clear indication regarding the taken step. It was also reported that many of the states were urging for an extension with growing concerns related to the spreading of the virus. Moreover, few states like Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Punjab declared beforehand the decision to extend the lockdown. Thus, the only thing that remained unknown was the cut-off date, which was decided to be on the 3rd of May.
According to critics, the PM’s address was not complete and it lacked various specific details. But, as has been the case with Mr Modi, he speaks to the common man in a very lucid way. So, if one tries to judge it from the perspective of communication, it was indeed a master-class.
Modi’s address to extend the lockdown:
The speech started with thanking the general public. The PM expressed his gratitude towards the citizens for their cooperation, sacrifices, and hardship during the earlier imposed 21-day lockdown.
Then he went on to share information about what were the results of the lockdown. He credited this success to the people and further went on to compare the Indian scenario with other parts of the world. This was to build the credibility of the strategy adopted.
This led to the conclusion that the best measure in the present situation would be to extend the ongoing lockdown. Finally, the speech concluded with Modi exhorting the public to follow a 7-point Citizen’s Charter to fight the virus.
Lockdown 2.0:
The primary phase of the lockdown was to ensure the arrest of the community spread of the coronavirus and prevent the crowding of the hospitals.
Also, it was necessary from the point of view that there was a limited supply of testing kits, PPEs, quarantine facilities, etc. Saving lives always comes first even if that disrupts the economy.
But at the same time, the extension of lockdown comes with lots of challenges.
The second lockdown or Lockdown 2.0, as is popularly called can be looked upon as a “loan” that the people of India gave to their Prime Minister. This implies that these 19 days need to be utilized very effectively for rapid progress in various sectors.
The state governments also have a magnanimous task in front of them. They have to handle their respective economic, commercial and civic front along with the essential public health emergency.
It is also not possible to keep 130 crore people idle for a long time.
The Centre, on the other hand, is keen to kickstart the economy. But, this is possible only when the states play along. However, few states are not aligned with this move of the center.
The reason is that the effect of the coronavirus is varied in different parts of the economy. Thus, the states that are the hardest hit need more time before relaxing the various restrictions.
But, this will create problems as our domestic economy has an interdependently connected character.
One critical component for commercial activity can be attributed to the availability of labor. But now, with the unavailability of work in the urban areas, there is a pressure of remigration. This has led to various unrest in the country.
Also, if the workers manage to reach back to their native places somehow, they will hesitate to return because of the looming uncertainty.
However, if the government takes up the task to provide incentives in the form of MNREGA, PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, subsidized ration, etc, things may improve.
The Delhi government, already sensing such an outcome, has already started accelerating the lockdown exit process. It has asked industries to restart their operations.
But with the various trade channels shut and other income-generating activities at a halt, this will not be an easy task.
The RBI has taken some decisive steps to ease the financial situation for the medium scale enterprises but there are still large businesses yet to be taken care of.
Thus, ultimately the situation will depend on the PM and his ministers. The situation is without any doubt, the toughest challenge that independent India has come across.
Whereas, at the same time, the PM needs the support of our citizens. It should be understood that post-pandemic the world will be very different from what it used to be.
Although, no one can foresee the future many liberal thinkers have claimed that after all this ends, the world will become more interdependent and compassionate.
Economic prosperity will come after human health and sustainability will be of prime importance. Also, people and organizations will be judged by the way they behaved during this crisis.
All of this will require us to think differently. So, in this lockdown, take some time out to reflect and prepare for a fresh beginning.
