DELHI GOVERNMENT SETS A PRECEDENT IN COVID MANAGEMENT

Several exemplary initiatives and steps by the Delhi government made the fight against Corona in Delhi easier

There have been various instances of good governance and great governments throughout history. But such recognition does not come without its own trials and tribulations. They are especially tested on their ability and skill in handling disasters or challenges faced by the countries across the world. Perhaps the most formidable challenge to humanity at present is Coronavirus, which has impacted the entire world. There are very few governments in the world that have faced this unprecedented crisis with great skill, sincerity and patience. While the impact and fear of this pandemic is diminishing today, India is being praised all over the world for its handling of the pandemic. And in this concerted effort of the nation, the contribution of Delhi government is unforgettable. The sudden lockdown announced in the last week of March, not only impacted the health sector, but also challenged the governments on all fronts of everyday life. The attention of the entire country and the world was focused on Delhi, which with its dense population of nearly 2 crore people was especially vulnerable to the pandemic. In this dire situation, the Arvind Kejriwal led Delhi government courageously confronted and skillfully handled the combined onslaught of challenges like Coronavirus transmission, migration, hunger, unemployment and education. Each new initiative and scheme launched by the Delhi government to combat each challenge during lockdown became a precedent for the entire world. As the impact of the pandemic first began being felt in Delhi, the government started implementing ideas for the poor and destitute. The

Delhi government immediately began providing free cooked food to nearly a million people during the lockdown. Not only this, the Kejriwal led government distributed dry rations free of charge, to millions of people trapped within the confines of their homes during lockdown. For those who were impoverished but did not have ration cards, a new scheme was launched to register them online so that they could avail free ration. Financial assistance was provided to those employed in the public transportation sector as well as to construction workers. The biggest challenge was handling the mass migration of workers from

Delhi. People come to Delhi to work from all over the country and with transportation closed, it became an especially onerous task to send them back to their homes. The entire nation was looking towards Delhi, but the earnestness and systematic manner with which the Delhi government overcame this challenge sets a wonderful example for good governance. In times of crisis, the public looked up to the government, and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal must be applauded as he never let the public feel disheartened during the pandemic. Perhaps this is the reason that in that era of great turmoil, when news of tragedy and misery was pouring in from across the country, the Delhi Government was gearing up to meet the challenges ahead.

This is an excellent illustration of the Delhi government's farsightedness. While even the governments of developed countries were unable to comprehend how to fight against Corona, the Delhi government launched several brilliant and effective initiatives during this period. The country's largest COVID care center was established in the capital. Many new hospitals were also opened in this period. Delhi was the first in the country to successfully deploy home isolation. The help of various agencies was taken to ensure that such patients living in their homes did not have any problem with doctors or other medical facilities. Free oximeters were also provided to each patient. Delhi's home isolation model even received tremendous praise from the Central government. Similarly, when the rest of the governments were in a dilemma about plasma therapy, the Delhi government started it immediately after getting assurances from doctors and experts. Plasma banks were also established. There was a time when an entire area was sealed off whenever a patient was infected. Delhi demonstrated for the first time that it is unnecessary to seal the entire city for fear of infection. In November, a record eight and a half thousand patients were found infected on a single day. But the Delhi government overcame this critical situation very efficiently. First, the speed of testing was accelerated. Presently, 1 crore tests have been conducted in Delhi which is equivalent to more than half the population of the state. It is the highest in the country. The 4-T measures initiated by Chief Minister

Arvind Kejriwal were also later adopted in other states.

The Delhi government skillfully handled the combined onslaught of challenges like coronavirus transmission, migration, hunger, unemployment and education

Delhi has conducted the highest number of COVID testing, equivalent to more than half the population of Delhi being tested