IMPRI Team
In continuation with the ongoing discussions on the Rural Realities around the country, the Centre for Habitat, Urban and Regional Studies (CHURS), IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institute, New Delhi and International Institute of Migration and Development (IIMAD), Kerala organized a Panel Discussion on “Rural Realities |Kerala | Practitioners’ Experiences in Tackling the Second Wave in Indian Villages” on May 20, 2021, as the second wave of coronavirus pandemic is engulfing the length and breadth of our country, India, and hitting the heartland of our country which is the rural areas.
The IMPRI team informed the discussion by locating for the event participants the situation of COVID 19 in India and Kerala. The team also provided an insight into the geography and Socio economic conditions of the state. The rationale was to provide the participants with an overview of the state of Kerala.
Mr. TK Arun, Consulting Editor, The Economic Times stated that when we compare Kerala COVID numbers to the other states we have to understand that Kerala’s numbers are more realistic than the numbers given by states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The number of positive cases in Kerala are reported correctly as compared to other parts of the country and hence Kerala would have probably one of the accurate database in terms of COVID cases and mortality.
Pertinent Questions
Responding to a question on vaccination Mr. T K Arun said that there is a global shortage of vaccination and thus without increasing the production and supply of vaccination within India, Kerala will not be able to get their vaccines.
Mr. T.K Arun said that Kerala needs to have greater ambition of having its own biotechnology industry. He also added that Kerala should disseminate it’s work on pandemic management to other states and local governments.
