It is time for taking citizen into confidence and educating them what to do and what not to do; if required time to bring in tough laws (maybe temporary), make people understand in simple terms what right they have and what ceases for the time being
Biswadeep Gupta
It is indeed worrisome to find that most of us not ready with any answers to the question, what to expect post 21 days lockdown. Are we ready for a plan of action post 14th April? Are we going to go to normal from 15th April? The answers seem to be negative as none of us has a win-win solution. On one side we have the exposure to death whereas the other side speaks horror of hunger and disruptions.
The Prime Minister has asked all the Chief Ministers to give their inputs and top Government leadership must be having sleepless nights thinking of probable solutions. Well, none exists as it is not going to be ready to use from the shelves. The human race is facing the toughest challenge for the first time and the problem is unique. Till we get a vaccine and until we make coronavirus zero zones, we are not safe and each day shall be a new day with new challenges and fewer solutions.
We shall evolve over time, and we shall also overcome the challenge, but the question will remain, at what cost? I think we are observing that the USA, with all its resources, has started staring at a gleam future. Things are under control says its President, well he has been saying so from the beginning. 12,000+ deads already will not come alive.
India has taken bold steps by imposing 21 days lockdown. Now as we are approaching the end of the lockdown, we are not very sure of our next road map. If the Government has to handle it, the time has come to start the messaging. Start doing rich communication with citizens. It is time for taking citizens into confidence and educating them on what to do and what not to do; if required time to bring in tough laws (maybe temporary), make people understand in simple terms what right they have and what ceases for the time being. If we are not able to send a right, continuous and consistent message, we will helplessly be witnessing a catastrophe unfolding.
Time has come also for the state governments to take their own leadership and draw up post lockdown do’s and don’ts, i.e. in clear terms chalk-out laws that the state can amend and implement in its strict form. But the state government here has the responsibility, first, of communicating and educating their citizen, second look after the basic needs of the population and start ground level preparation to protect the economy.
