COVID-19 AND INDIA ASSESSING LOCKDOWNS AMIDST THE SECOND WAVE - IMPACT ON EDUCATION

The national lockdown initiated in March 2020, with barely 600 cases in India, raised concerns over its political and economic costs. State Governments were, understandably, hesitant in imposing another lockdown in 2021 even amidst a surge. The draconian lockdown and the “junta curfew” last year was declared a failed policy instrument in curbing the virus. The State machinery had to move towards ideas of limited movements, micro containment zones and relaxed restrictions before nally resorting to a lockdown. The virulence and unpredictability of the disease have forced Governments to innovate pandemic management processes and protocols. A lockdown that stalls movement and inhibits human interaction is only a band-aid approach to a larger systemic failure. The lives lost for the lack of Oxygen, hospital beds, essential medicines and money are a constant reminder of the gross neglect of healthcare infrastructure and the failure of governance during a crisis. Governments can no longer continue with piecemeal enhancements in limiting the pandemic and improving healthcare. It is important to understand that locking down cities not only imposes huge burdens on the revenue side, but also subdues consumption and distorts incomes, especially for the poor