Think tanks and corona

Let me go straight to the point I would like to share instead of wailing away time on topics of little significance such as clapping (instead thank your family doctor & other staff when you meet them next time) and lighting lamps (instead be empathetic day in and day out).

What next?? The pandemic has hinted us on creation of think tanks for a better tomorrow. The first  and random thought that came to mind is this:

A think tank comprising "Conservationists, Environmentalists, Policy makers & Economists": As this lock down has has hit the 'refresh' button of nature and other living beings on earth, why not think of such a national lock down every year and help nature refresh itself?

Points to ponder in this direction

• When can the nation be locked down every year? Period and duration
•  How can the economic slowdown of this period be addressed?
• What can be the role of government?

To answer

'When' needs to be decided in consultation with the

1. Department to Tourism: to identify off-season when the revenue generation is normally less in a year
2. Environmentalists/conservationists: to identify the period that is conducive/favourable for nature to reset itself on its own; and to identify the minimum and maximum number of days that would make a significant difference
3. Department of Health: to identify the right season in a year that is suitable/better for public to stay indoors
4. Economists: to analyse and identify the less economically-active period (in relative terms only) in a year in the country, if any
5. Election Commission: to ensure that no election related works happen during that time
6. Political off-season where no assembly/parliament sessions take place and budget related works happen

Economic slowdown

As it is natural to have a steep decline in economy graph during a national lock down, the role of economists becomes highly significant. The think tanks of economists need to arrive at decisions/ideas/proposals to tackle it and provide ways and means to get rejuvenated right after the period.

Considering this equation nature⥸economic growth for sustainability or the very existence of earth, compromising with economy is a better option.

Planned lock down and its benefits

• Nature and our fellow living beings would thrive happily
• No chaos/fear among public as they would gradually get used to this format; and therefore they would begin to plan well in advance
• Quality family time
• Children's creativity provoked, adults' too
• Encourage community living
• Possible increase in health consciousness
• No alcohol; therefore no related crimes 
• No breaking news to channels to survive on

 Role of government

1. To ensure paid/half-paid/minimally paid leave for everyone (organized and unorganized sectors)
2. To have child and women helplines (counseling services too) to report abuse of any form
3. To revamp government hospitals, schools, ration shops and offices
4. To attend to shelter-less and migrant labourers (making use of closed cinema halls, schools, community halls, wedding halls, colleges and get a community kitchen in place to support them)
5. To identify the real needy sections that would be in need of emergency fund to run their lives, as many would be prepared in advance as the lock down would be on the decided/announced date.
6. To ensure that alcohol is not bought and stocked at homes that might eventually result in domestic violence  

...to be continued on what is expected of my Prime Minister!

 P.S.: There are just the preliminary thoughts and portions of the post might undergo changes depending on mind-processing (of course no portion would be deleted😛)