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 organized a panel discussion on “Rural Realities | Maharashtra Practitioners’ Experiences in Tackling the Second Wave in Indian Villages” on May 13, 2021.
The IMPRI team informed the discussion by locating for the event participants the situation of COVID-19 in India and Maharashtra. 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 Maharashtra.
Humanitarian & Rights-based Approach
Dr. Dhruv Mankad, Managing Trustee of Anusandhan Trust with centres – CEHAT, Pune, highlighted that the Migrants issue and subsequent lockdown of villages was the first reaction in the first wave of COVID-19. The community responded correctly as nobody knew the nature of the virus. A humanitarian approach and rights-based approach work in tandem. Food security is a major issue. We need to have a micro-planning system. The following points need our attention:
- Social Distancing
- Direct responsive coping system
- Secondary level care takers
- Approach of Triaging
We now know what we need to do. People have to be aware. Identification and care need to start at the earliest level. Following measures can be taken:
1. Micro-level Planning
2. Oxygen checking
3. Training ASHAs
Faith building among the masses is very important at this stage. The trust deficit needs to be tackled soon. We have to revive things as there is a huge financial crunch. SHGs can act as a strong platform for preventing domestic violence in rural areas.
Dr Dhruv responded to the question of the effectiveness of early lockdown by stating that early lockdown helps in some ways. The state is helping us and coordinating in combating this deadly virus. Gaps need to be bridged.
