PM Modi talks more on self-imposed discipline, mum on govt responsibility

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first view on Covid-19, appeared to take the path of volunteerism rather than inform people on the steps his government intended to take in facing the worrisome viral pandemic that has gripped the world.

Modi, in his nearly 30 minute televised address to the nation, placed the ball squarely in the people’s court asking them to observe a self-imposed ‘Janata’ curfew on Sunday, March 22. This seems to be a dry run for a possible nationwide shutdown that may have to be enforced if the numbers in India of the Coronavirus-triggered illness rises exponentially.

The Prime Minister, whose addresses to the nation have always been preceded by a dread following the November 8, 2016 demonetization announcement, did not state anything remotely similar to that. He merely repeated what has generally been known, like social distancing and stepping out of one’s homes only if necessary.

The disappointment in Modi’s address was primarily the absence of any information on what the government was doing to thwart the spread of Covid-19.

For instance, it would have been reassuring to know the concrete steps that the government was taking to increase testing centres or the setting up of good quality isolation wards or the help extended to the medical community to handle the crisis.

Further, in view of the rumours and speculation surrounding the numbers of people affected by the virus, the prime minister could have given credible figures of COVID-19 victims.

But, given that the country is on an edge with panic just round the corner, the PM’s address did not come a day sooner – especially his request to people not to hoard essential items and asking employers not to cut wages of workers who may have taken off to remain at home.

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With the stock markets falling precipitously, Modi’s announcement of the setting up of an economic task force seemed a bit underwhelming. The Prime Minister could have indicated the government’s move to back businesses in whatever manner possible as that could have played a major role in encouraging positive sentiments in the market.

There could have been a clearer time table of events that the government possibly has in mind given that the pandemic is still in the initial stages.

Always known for theatrics, Modi’s suggestion that people step out of their balconies and homes and publicly appreciate the work done by the medical community and others in the forefront of treating and testing people for Covid-19 would probably amuse those doing the job.