IMPRI Team
In continuation with the ongoing discussions on the Rural Realities during the pandemic around the country, the Centre for Habitat, Urban and Regional Studies (CHURS), IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institute, New Delhi organized a panel discussion on “Rural Realities | North East Practitioners’ Experiences in Tackling the Second Wave in Indian Villages” on May 16, 2021.
The IMPRI team informed the discussion by locating for the event participants the situation of COVID 19 in India and North East. The team also provided an insight into the geography and Socio economic conditions of the region. The rationale was to provide the participants with an overview of the North Eastern region.
In the introductory remarks, Dr Simi Mehta, CEO & Editorial Director of IMPRI, spoke on the necessity to discuss the way rural practitioners and population were coping with the pandemic. Moreover, there was a need to focus on the way forward in tackling the pandemic.
Policy Repercussions
Netaji Basumatary, Regional Head (North East) at Indo-Global Social Service Society (IGSSS), spoke about the situation prevalent in rural areas. He stated that rural dwellers approached quacks rather than medical practitioners to treat the virus. This resulted in preventive medication being highly practiced in the rural areas.
Lack of clear communication over the curfew timings and lockdowns created confusion and panic in the public, said Netaji Basumatary.
Secondly, Mr. Netaji spoke on the economic repercussions that arose due to contrasting policy decisions.
