Ensure food supply

Reference to ‘Another recipe for disaster’ (Nous Indica, March 27); the PM’s lockdown decision was taken in haste, leading to disruption in the food supply chain. The government should allow private vendors and shopkeepers to supply essential goods. It must also ensure the procurement of Rabi crops because these are the main source of income for the farmers. The government did well to take a strict decision to prevent the spread of coronavirus, but at the same time, it should work on providing food to every individual. Starvation at such a time will only make it worse. The adages that hungry people need food, definitely not advice and a hungry man is not a free man stand true.

RAHUL GOYAT, JIND

Media role significant

Media is playing an important role at a time when the entire world is combating the deadly virus. Without the media, people would not have understood the situation. It made people aware and helped to spread an appeal to the public to stay at home. Mediapersons have been giving us an update about the pandemic, without thinking about their own safety. Today, because of the media, people from different religions, castes and regions have come together to fight against coronavirus and understand the importance of hygiene and health.

Ramanjot Kaur, Jalandhar

Test, treat, trace

India’s lockdown decision is being widely appreciated by world leaders. Being the second most populated country, with a scarcity of infrastructure, testing kits and rising cases of infection, such a decision was bold and tough. The WHO, while hailing it, has categorically said more aggressive measures are needed. Lockdown will help buy time and reduce pressure on the health system. While reinforcing aggressive measures, the authorities must find, isolate, test, treat and trace to prevent its spread.

Ramesh Dogra, Panchkula

Comprehensive road map

Refer to ‘Rs1.7L cr aid, govt reaches out to 80 cr poor’ (March 27); for the time being, it is a good step, but the future impact is not so promising. India is already not in a good position in terms of GDP growth and fiscal deficit, and the banking sector is likely to see a significant rise in NPAs. India has to make a road map for manufacturing, service sectors, MSMEs, banking sector and the people at large to cope with the slowdown and revenue loss.

Anjani Sharma, Chandigarh

Package with shelf life

The government has done well to prioritise direct transfer through banking to the vulnerable sections of society. But this package will benefit only for three months because of its limited shelf life. This crisis will hit the crucial sectors of the economy hard. The US has agreed to a $2 trillion aid package, which is a large and much-needed amount. Since our economy is already in slowdown mode, it is impossible for the government to provide a larger package to the citizens. But more will have to be done.

Isha Sharma, Bathinda

Don’t shun health staff

We doctors have stopped performing elective surgeries to conserve resources for any Covid emergency. Only dire emergencies are being attended to. A senior OT nurse was told by his Mohali PG owner that if he continued to work in a hospital, especially at odd hours, he would be evicted. This is unacceptable. There have also been instances in other cities where doctors have been summarily evicted as they might bring infection. If we cannot guarantee basic housing for our frontline healthcare workers, where will we be? As it is, masks, sanitisers and even some medicines, are being hoarded by the general public, leading to an acute shortage of these items. We need to encourage our corona warriors, not treat them like pariahs. They are our major line of defence and need full protection. Where will we be if these bravehearts are forced to refuse to treat cases because of problems like these?

Harinder Singh Bedi, Mohali

Poor health infra

Seeing the Covid threat in Punjab, I am amazed at the types of government we have elected over decades. No government has built sufficient medical infrastructure. When this threat wanes, we should think twice before exercising our franchise.

Rajesh Goyal, by mail

A long walk home

Refer to ‘Maha labourer walks 135 km to reach home (March 27); despite the efforts of governments and NGOs, a large number of people are still suffering from starvation and unemployment. The government must do more for such people, so that we all can get out of this chaos together. No person should be in a situation where people have to trudge long distances. It is heartbreaking.

Surbhi Attreya, Meerut

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