What all States can and should learn from Maharashtra. [Thread based on CM speech] 1. Complete transparency and availability of data regarding patients/deaths/testing etc of COVID-19.
2. Announced that Govt will provide FREE meals for anyone who needs it for the next month. Lockdown or no lockdown all are suffering economically. A safety net like this for the poor is the least that can be done.
3. Earmarked 100% of oxygen production in the State for medical purposes. Even this may not be enough, so have a detailed strategy to import it from other States and have requested the help of the Air Force to do so.
4. Enhancing medical infrastructure, but has clarified that without an increase in Doctors and HCWs this won't amount to much. (Have appealed to retired Doctors, nurses, other staff to join again by offering attractive remuneration)
5. Direct transfer of money to accounts of construction workers, domestic workers, labourers, auto-rickshaw drivers, etc along with supplying 3 kg wheat and 2 kg rice for all ration cardholders for free. This collectively covers around 50% of the State population.
6. Fund amounting to 3,300 crores for District Collectors exclusively to fight COVID. Also, interest waived off on all taxes and other dues to be paid to the govt for 2 months by people.
7. And most important, the CM addresses people like adult human beings capable of understanding the real situation acting accordingly instead of preaching to/ordering them about like children.
8. There is no denying that situation is dire in Maharashtra, as it is elsewhere. Beds are full, people are dying and the economy has come to a crippling halt.
9. It remains to be seen how well all of the above is implemented. But the govt. is at least trying to act in a sensible manner with a coherent strategy. To face the situation head-on instead of trying to hide the numbers only to be unmasked when the bodies start piling up.
