+
Is the government doing enough to handle the COVID-19 crisis?
ECONOMY & POLICY

Is the government doing enough to handle the COVID-19 crisis?

While there are multiple actions that the government is already taking to tackle the COVID-19 crisis, like enhancing testing facilities, quarantining the patients, creating capacity with medical facilities, isolating red zones of infection, monitoring areas through CCTV and police patrol and so on, much more can be done.

Since the vaccine is still at least nine-months away, testing facilities can be provided where people can drive-in and get themselves tested, testing kit production should be ramped up so that these kits are available in grocery stores too, PPE suits production needs to be enhanced so that they are available aplenty not only health workers and essential medics but also others healthcare practitioners like dentists, ENT specialists and such others. Further, they should also be available for beauticians, hairdressers, among others.

A financial package of Rs 1.7 trillion has already been announced for the economic weaker sections. Another one is in the works for business and industry. The US has announced $2.3 trillion, while European Union has announced $500 billion in terms of relief packages. The expectations in India are ranging from 1 per cent to 5 per cent of GDP. Bengaluru-based real estate and hospitality corporate, Brigade Group’s Chairman & Managing Director MR Jaishankar  emphasised to Construction World magazine over a video interview, the need for India to extend the amount of economic aid to up to 5 per cent of GDP. Whatever is the current largesse announced, there will be need for a further injection as the pandemic impact plays out.

India will not emerge unscathed, for sure, but our leadership can minimise the adverse impact.

Also read:
How to restart the economy during COVID-19 
Construction and Infrastructure can kickstart the economic engines 
But what about small businesses?
How will the future Post-COVID19 unfold? 

About the Author: A chartered account by qualification, Pratap Padode is the founder of ASAPP Info Global Group and his passion for infrastructure over last 20 years is reflected in the innovative thought leadership through 10 specialised journals, conferences and awards organised in the fields of construction, infrastructure and engineering. CONSTRUCTION WORLD was the first journal that he began with over 20 years ago. Further, he is the Founder & Executive Director of FIRST (Foundation of Infrastructure Research Studies Training ), which was set up in 2003, that brings out research reports and newsletters on various infrastructure segments. He received the CIDC Vishwakarma Award 2010 for his research in the construction sector. Since early 2014, he has been promoting the cause of smart cities in India and is now Founder & Executive Director of the Smart Cities Council India.

While there are multiple actions that the government is already taking to tackle the COVID-19 crisis, like enhancing testing facilities, quarantining the patients, creating capacity with medical facilities, isolating red zones of infection, monitoring areas through CCTV and police patrol and so on, much more can be done. Since the vaccine is still at least nine-months away, testing facilities can be provided where people can drive-in and get themselves tested, testing kit production should be ramped up so that these kits are available in grocery stores too, PPE suits production needs to be enhanced so that they are available aplenty not only health workers and essential medics but also others healthcare practitioners like dentists, ENT specialists and such others. Further, they should also be available for beauticians, hairdressers, among others. A financial package of Rs 1.7 trillion has already been announced for the economic weaker sections. Another one is in the works for business and industry. The US has announced $2.3 trillion, while European Union has announced $500 billion in terms of relief packages. The expectations in India are ranging from 1 per cent to 5 per cent of GDP. Bengaluru-based real estate and hospitality corporate, Brigade Group’s Chairman & Managing Director MR Jaishankar  emphasised to Construction World magazine over a video interview, the need for India to extend the amount of economic aid to up to 5 per cent of GDP. Whatever is the current largesse announced, there will be need for a further injection as the pandemic impact plays out. India will not emerge unscathed, for sure, but our leadership can minimise the adverse impact. Also read: How to restart the economy during COVID-19  Construction and Infrastructure can kickstart the economic engines  But what about small businesses? How will the future Post-COVID19 unfold?  About the Author: A chartered account by qualification, Pratap Padode is the founder of ASAPP Info Global Group and his passion for infrastructure over last 20 years is reflected in the innovative thought leadership through 10 specialised journals, conferences and awards organised in the fields of construction, infrastructure and engineering. CONSTRUCTION WORLD was the first journal that he began with over 20 years ago. Further, he is the Founder & Executive Director of FIRST (Foundation of Infrastructure Research Studies Training ), which was set up in 2003, that brings out research reports and newsletters on various infrastructure segments. He received the CIDC Vishwakarma Award 2010 for his research in the construction sector. Since early 2014, he has been promoting the cause of smart cities in India and is now Founder & Executive Director of the Smart Cities Council India.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Open In App