A small thread:
What we know - what we don't & what we should know :
1. #Lockdown1, dramatically announced by Modi on 24th March 2020 at 8 PM & 4 hrs notice - came in blatant disregard of the opinion of @ICMR scientists & experts.
@nit_set has put out the documents in public
What we know - what we don't & what we should know :
1. #Lockdown1, dramatically announced by Modi on 24th March 2020 at 8 PM & 4 hrs notice - came in blatant disregard of the opinion of @ICMR scientists & experts.
@nit_set has put out the documents in public
2. We were told by PM & made to believe it by incessant messaging through the official & unofficial Govt propaganda machinery that the 21 day, harsh lockdown, which suspended all our Constitutional rights was a necessary measure to stop / prevent spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
3. The Central Govt invoked powers under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 & the State Govts invoked powers under The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. Both these Acts grant wide emergency powers to Governments.
4. As is widely reported, the temperory suspension of fundamental rights
4. As is widely reported, the temperory suspension of fundamental rights
was implemented through criminal prosecution & police brutality.
5. Not to forget that the justification proffered in support of the imposition of a harsh lockdown would not have been available to the Govt if it had taken timely measures in Feb & early March itself.
5. Not to forget that the justification proffered in support of the imposition of a harsh lockdown would not have been available to the Govt if it had taken timely measures in Feb & early March itself.
6. But the priority of the Govt were different. Trump Circus, dislodging MP State Govt etc were prioritized over preparation for the prevention of spread of the pandemic.
7. Other than Rs.500/- cash transfer to women Jan-Dhan account holders, preponed payment of Rs.2000to farmers
7. Other than Rs.500/- cash transfer to women Jan-Dhan account holders, preponed payment of Rs.2000to farmers
And free grains to BPL families - no major succour was offered to citizens. Instead, crappy talk of sacrifice, linked with mythollogy was delivered from the bully pulpit.
Like a Leader talking to his cult.
8. People believed in the Govt. The poor & marginalized, the migrants
Like a Leader talking to his cult.
8. People believed in the Govt. The poor & marginalized, the migrants
w/o job, money & food - complied with the lockdown.
9. A responsible govt would have used the pause offered by the lockdown for gearing up medical infrastructure & preparedness. But what we experienced was total lack of coherence in the response. Frequent policy changes.
9. A responsible govt would have used the pause offered by the lockdown for gearing up medical infrastructure & preparedness. But what we experienced was total lack of coherence in the response. Frequent policy changes.
10. Home Minister was completely missing from public forum. But arrests and prosecution of students & activists continued with meticulous planning, indicating his presence in the backroom.
11. Babus were made to disseminate, largely innocuous & misleading information on pandemic.
11. Babus were made to disseminate, largely innocuous & misleading information on pandemic.
12. With early signs of deep distress caused to the migrant workers, some civial society members approached the SC. The Govt through SG, made uncharitable & snide remarks at the Petitioners & mislead the SC.
13. In an uncharacteristic deferrance to Govt, the SC did not intervene
13. In an uncharacteristic deferrance to Govt, the SC did not intervene
14. The moment 3rd lockdown was announced, the migrant workers issue exploded. We had them walking on the streets, across country. With no money, food or means to reach homes. And, no mechanism to protect their fundamental rights. The humanitarian tragedy is still continuing
15. In the meanwhile, some trains were started. We do not know the justification or rationale. We do not know why the trains were not started earlier? It seems like there's NO PLAN.
16. The Central Disaster Managemnt Authority & the assisting Executive Committee are an enigma
16. The Central Disaster Managemnt Authority & the assisting Executive Committee are an enigma
17. We do not know if the persons sitting over those Committees have the capabilities to understand & fashion a response to the pandemic. We do not know.
18. What we do know is -the Chief i.e. Dr. V K Paul appeared in a Press Briefing -shared a chart & claimed zero case by May16
18. What we do know is -the Chief i.e. Dr. V K Paul appeared in a Press Briefing -shared a chart & claimed zero case by May16
19. On May 16, India had the highest number of frsh cases. Thus, the Chief has been proven to be disgustingly wrong or incompetent.
20. When the rise in fresh infections became exponential - testing & discharge protocols were changed. Still, cases are rising.
20. When the rise in fresh infections became exponential - testing & discharge protocols were changed. Still, cases are rising.
21. So, there is a justifiable ground to conclude that the people (politicians & bureaucrats ) who have assumed charge & have suspended our FRs are clueless, incompetent or their actions are laced with bad faith.
The civil society must reassert itself & seek accountability.
The civil society must reassert itself & seek accountability.
