Another example of lack of holistic policy formulation or a nationwide action. Policy induced disaster is seen today on national highways. This has always been a challenge “why do we have a homogeneous solution when we have heterogeneity of problems”. Even in today’s times of crisis, this half thought out step of lock down reflects inadequacy in predictability or stability in our policies. (statement of economic survey- need more stability in policies) Why a knee jerk reaction to any crisis automatically excludes a specific secular section. Firstly, we don’t modernize agriculture or boost agrarian economy. Don’t have good employment and lifestyle opportunities in rural/urban areas. Then, we assume employment at other places would promote mobility, liberty, opportunities and so called organic solidarity. We need a section for manual labor to work in most difficult conditions and then, consider them as a black spot on the beautiful face of our development. (orphans of our development process) And, when the time comes to take an urgent action, we think of a population who are already capable. When we seek cooperation in lock down or launch a financial package, why didn’t there was policy for temporary shelter homes..be it schools, community halls, choupals, govt buildings. People who primarily die for infrastructural development and our growth – are the first ones to be homeless, neglected, harassed, stigmatized or bear the brunt of a SHUT DOWN. Their reverse-migration can undo the very efforts of lock down. Every single person is a resource, why can’t these resources (informal laborers) are included in some form of employment like disinfecting roads, delivery guys to ensure they can earn and live a dignified life. Hopeful and dignified life is the basic right of all. And, if there is skill-set issue, then could have timely chalked out policy to address basic survival issues like food, shelter, medicines, etc. It is certainly not just a COVID crisis for India but a hunger, unemployment, poverty, illiteracy crisis as well. Life and livelihood are not separated. Society and economy is deeply interlinked and inter-related. Each single one of us has a SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY today, be it in the form of quarantine, maintaining hygiene, following govt guidelines or supporting dependants like tenants, maid, laborers, senior citizens, medical staff, etc.

And, when all this ends, we need to ask ourselves what we are trying to achieve and at what cost – marginalized, environment or Earth? Where does this UNDERCLASS lie in our policy consideration? Gandhi famously said – There is enough on Earth for everybody’s need, but not for everyone’s greed. Today, Gandhi’s insight is required to be put to test as never before.