- The world is in critical condition due to the unprecedented outbreak of COVID19. Many countries couldn't opt for the optional measures so as to the homogeneous continuation of various essential services for all sections of people in the country. Rather total lockdown measures had to be taken. This lockdown experience might not be the same for all, it depends on the living conditions of the people. Millions of people have also been affected by the virus. And, millions of well-off families have been safe at home from both infections and extreme hunger.
However, such an environment have not been imagined by a large number of poor people, instead, they have been conditioned to be victims systematically and un-systematically as many social security services like OPD health service, child development centre (Anganwadi), have been shut down. Though these services might shut down or partially available for over a year, it wouldn't impact much the most privileged families as they are accessible to the alternative. But, the marginalized people are always vulnerable when a mass crisis comes up. Social security services seem to be the backbone of marginalized people because these services serve them to meet their basic requirements for health and child care.
@: Anganwadi centre: This is the only government initiative centre under the Integrated Child Development program for holistic child development. This program enables children to have nutrition, immunization supplements and assist language, social and mental development through pre-school up to the age of 6 years. If we look at the ground reality, beneficiaries are marginalized communities. Free extra, nutritional foods are essential for them despite the food items they used to have at home. The most critical period for them is the current situation because their (children) schedule foods have not been available and of course, a family might be already facing the food crisis.
@: OPD health centres: Due to the virus spread, many hospitals have closed the OPD medical treatment which is unfortunate for the marginalized people.
Marginalized people have been in distress about basic nutritional requirements far more than the death of virus. In addition the marginalized are also facing challenges due to the sudden depletion of economics. Thus, the economist and social activist, Jean Dreze, viewed that, most of the public services could have been remained open looking at the situations.
Reflection is contributed by:
Satyasing Mushahary
Senior Consultant at Clf India.1
Alumni of Azim Premji University (2014-16)
