Tamil Nadu vs Other States: A Closer Look at India’s Fight Against COVID-19
The state of Tamil Nadu in India has been actively fighting against the coronavirus (COVID-19) even with its extraordinary medical system. However, why is Tamil Nadu facing more challenges compared to other states? This article explores the unique situation in Tamil Nadu, the role of the central government, and highlights the broader context across different states in India.
Why Tamil Nadu is Struggling
Tamil Nadu is an integral part of India, and like the rest of the nation, it too is affected by COVID-19. Unlike some other states, Tamil Nadu performs more tests, which inevitably leads to the discovery of more cases. This discrepancy raises questions about the efforts of other states and the shortcomings of the central government in providing necessary relief and support.
The Central Government’s Role
The central government’s response has been largely unsatisfactory. It has failed to release any relief funds and has not even honored its rightful share in the Goods and Services Tax (GST). This has resulted in a rather careless and inattentive approach towards states like Tamil Nadu.
Historical Context and Community Resistance
There are significant socio-political reasons that contribute to Tamil Nadu’s stance. Unlike states like Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu has a history of resistance against the imposition of Hindi. Additionally, there is a strong resistance to certain religious practices, including the consumption of Ganges water (Gou-mutra) and support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Comparative Analysis of States
The socio-political and economic situations in states such as U.P., Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh are very different from Tamil Nadu. In these states, discrimination along caste lines is prevalent, which puts economically weaker people and lower-caste individuals at a significant risk. These segments are often the backbone of the state's income generators and hence, their health and well-being are crucial.
Lockdown and Relaxation
The recent relaxation in lockdown measures by the Tamil Nadu government has drawn criticism. Despite acknowledging the need for strict containment, the government overlooked the hotspot areas like Koyambedu. The easing of lockdown measures without considering the resurgence of the virus has resulted in a return to near-normalcy in cities like Chennai, which is concerning.
Foolishness in Unlocking
The central government’s decision to unlock the country prematurely is seen as foolish. The focus on locking down people but not performing sufficient testing has led to a flawed approach. Unlocking should be based on scientifically informed data, yet the economic pressures forced the government to make hasty decisions.
The Situation in Other Indian States
No Indian state is truly incapable of controlling the coronavirus. The underreporting of cases is mainly due to the limited number of tests conducted. Once testing rates increase, the numbers will inevitably rise. This situation highlights the need for a more systematic and data-driven approach to manage the pandemic.
Conclusion
Tamil Nadu has demonstrated commendable efforts in combating the coronavirus by testing more people and maintaining a low mortality rate. However, the state cannot shoulder the entire burden alone. It is crucial for the central government to take proactive steps and provide support to other states where socio-political and economic conditions are more challenging. The fight against the virus requires a unified and informed national strategy.