Drawing governance lessons from covid-19

Context: The subsequent handling of the challenges during pandemic has provided governance lessons which are necessary in pursuit of arresting the spread of virus.

Governance lessons:

• Distinct states, different needs: incongruous one size fits all approach

• Sparsely populated North East requires different approach than congested parts of the Mumbai.
• Some states may have high inflow of people from overseas like in Punjab and Kerala.
• Over 75% of the cases are restricted to 7 states and 70% cases to 10 cities.

• Focus on internal residential density: based on number of occupants per room in a household rather than just absolute population density.

• All Society Approach: The time-tested governance models suggests active local citizens participation in administration in times of crisis. 

• Inputs of local health workers, doctors as well as nurses are important to tailor the broad guidelines.

• Community feedback loop: in the form of social scientists to sensitise the administrations of societal and economic vulnerabilities. 

• Businesses can help in reducing the economic costs, and NGOs can complement relief efforts.

• Forming a consortium:  between the neighbouring states, as done in the US, aimed at sharing the information on one platform with another, can be utilised for the formulation of joint contingency plans to complement health capacities of one another.

Way Forward:

• The fight against Covid-19 is multi- dimensional. This requires creative, complementary, and calibrated responses to each context through proactive local governance structures, along with synergy with the Centre.