The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs recently released a report detailing an assessment of India’s management of the COVID-19 crisis. The committee scrutinized four crucial aspects – Preparedness, Augmentation of Health Infrastructure, Social Impact, and Economic Impact.
Preparedness: The Problems and Recommendations
Migrant laborers, factory workers, and daily wage earners suffered the most due to insufficient information dissemination in the district areas about arrangements for food, shelter, and other facilities. This lack of information led to a mass exodus. To address these issues, the committee suggests drawing up a national plan and guidelines under the National Disaster Management Act 2005 and Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. A separate wing specializing in handling pandemics should be formed in the NDMA. This wing should lead in building partnerships with the public sector, corporates, NGOs, and other stakeholders. Furthermore, effective institutional mechanisms are needed for coordination between the Centre, states, and Union Territories for rapid response to future crises.
Augmentation of Health Infrastructure: Issues and Solutions
The committee noted a disproportionate availability of ICU beds in private and public sector hospitals and the inaccessibility or unaffordability of private hospitals for many. Overcharging by hospitals, denial of cashless facilities, and variation in charges for consumables were other significant issues. The suggested solution is a Comprehensive Public health Act at the national level to regulate private hospitals, prevent black marketing of medicines and ensure product standardization. Regulatory oversight could prevent hospitals from refusing to accept insurance claims and push for making Covid-19 treatment cashless for insured individuals.
Social Impact: Obstacles and Recommendations
Inefficiencies in implementing the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979, and difficulty in identifying and providing relief measures to migrant workers were highlighted in the report. The committee recommends an early launch of a national database on migrant workers to aid in identification and deliver benefits. This database should include detailed records of returning workers, including previous employment and skill details to support skill development and planning for similar emergencies. The committee also supports the continuation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme until schools reopen, and inter-state operability of ration cards.
Economic Impact: Challenges and Proposals
Poor implementation of government schemes, delays in loan disbursal, and reduced consumption due to job losses and income falls were significant economic problems highlighted. Further interventions and schemes are needed to support recovery and sustain economic revival, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
About Parliamentary Committees
Parliamentary committees can be broadly divided into Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Committees. Standing committees are permanent and work continuously. They include financial committees, departmental standing committees, committees to inquire, committees to scrutinize and control, committees relating to the day-to-day business of the house, and house-keeping or service committees. Contrastingly, ad hoc committees are temporary and cease once their assigned task is completed.