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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | COVID-19 is not a ‘one-time disaster’, like earthquake or flood, Centre says in SC -Krishnadas Rajagopal

COVID-19 is not a ‘one-time disaster’, like earthquake or flood, Centre says in SC -Krishnadas Rajagopal

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published Published on Jun 20, 2021   modified Modified on Jun 20, 2021

-The Hindu

It is an ongoing pandemic which will continue to attack in waves and a ‘broader approach’ is essential, says Ministry of Home Affairs in 189-page affidavit.

The COVID-19 pandemic is not a “one-time disaster”, like an earthquake or a flood, where victims can be compensated with just money, the Centre has told the Supreme Court.

The virus is an ongoing pandemic which will continue to attack in waves. A “broader approach” is essential. The government was responding to petitions in the Supreme Court to pay 4 lakh compensation to the families of every COVID-19 victim.

“Unlike disasters of a short and finite duration, occurring and ending quickly, COVID-19 is a global pandemic which has affected all the countries in the world. The pandemic has claimed more than 3.85 lakh lives, a number which is likely to increase further... These deaths have affected families from all classes — the rich and poor, professionals and informal workers, traders and farmers…” the Ministry of Home Affairs, represented by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, said in a 189-page affidavit.

Limiting relief to monetary pay-offs was a “narrow and pedantic approach”. There was also no precedent of giving ex gratia compensation for a disease or disaster spread out over several months or years.

“The pandemic started in the early months of January 2020 and the country is still battling the same with different intensity, different symptoms and different mutations, with no certainty regarding the end,” the government said.

‘Financial strain’

Massive distribution of compensation across the country at this point would dry up precious financial resources of the Centre and the States.

“If the entire State Disaster Response Funds get consumed on ex gratia compensation for COVID-19 victims, the States may not have sufficient funds for organising COVID-19 response, for provision of various essential medical and other supplies, or to take care of other disasters like cyclones, floods, etc. Already the finances of State governments and the Central government are under severe strain due to the reduction in tax revenues and increase in health expenses on account of the pandemic,” the affidavit explained.

Besides, the MHA said granting ex-gratia compensation for one disease while denying it for those accounting for a larger share of mortality would not be fair or proper.

“It would create unfairness and invidious discrimination between persons suffering from one disease and those suffering from another,” the government justified.

The court said its “broader approach” encompasses a different set of ‘Minimum Standards of Relief’ focused on public health interventions, social protection and economic recovery for the affected communities.

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The Hindu, 20 June, 2021, https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/covid-19-is-not-a-one-time-disaster-like-earthquake-or-flood-centre-says-in-sc/article34863497.ece?homepage=true


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