India coronavirus lockdown threatens millions with extreme hardship
Munawar Zaman
Press TV, New Delhi
Amid the global coronavirus pandemic, millions of people in India are battling against extreme hardships.
On March 24, a sudden unplanned lockdown in India to fight the coronavirus outbreak has received a global praise. However, the move raised great concerns for hundreds of millions in India living in poverty. Those include the migrants, tribal communities, rural farmers and the homeless. While many fled to their native villages, those who got stuck are left with nothing more than miseries amid a battle to survive.
Since the lockdown was announced, life has come to standstill in most parts of the country. In New Delhi for instance, the government’s run shelter homes are overcrowded and that raises fears of further outbreak. Experts say imposing a lockdown on more than a billion people was expected to be challenging.
Observers say the restrictions were necessary to contain the community outbreak. They say the move however will prove devastating for the poor who mostly live in rural parts of the country, where economic activity and healthcare is non-existent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced an economic stimulus package of 22 billion dollars to help the poor cope up with the loss of income during the lockdown period. The relief package offers support to millions of families but many people are wondering whether the benefits will reach the most deprived on time.
The government maintains that the lockdown is necessary to prevent a humanitarian disaster as the country’s healthcare is weak and millions live in crowded and unhealthy conditions. Critics say the shutdown was poorly planned and the government is now trying to scramble its fallout.
Modi set to win as Indians vote in final phase of marathon election
Four children among 27 dead in India amusement park fire
India’s Modi faces opponents in sixth phase of mammoth elections
VIDEO | Gaza Million March in Karachi demands immediate end to Israeli aggression
VIDEO | Raeisi’s legacy in Africa
Israel’s airstrike on Syria’s Aleppo causes casualties, material damage
VIDEO | Kashmir hosts interfaith conference to mark Imam Khomeini’s passing anniversary
VIDEO | Damascus memorial service commemorates 35th passing anniversary of Imam Khomeini
Israel arrests Palestinian reporter amid regime's crackdown on journalists
VIDEO | Yemeni forces launch multiple attacks on US aircraft carrier, Israel-linked ships
Official: Israeli forces destroyed 50,000 housing units in northern Gaza
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
