There is not an iota of doubt that extending the lockdown was warranted. The broad consensus between states and the Union government is validated by the science behind a lockdown. To break the chain of spread, to flatten the transmission curve and to allow the health infrastructure to cope with rising cases is all part of an unprecedented plan to overcome the contagion crisis. The plight of the developed nations bearing the brunt of the pandemic despite their far advanced healthcare systems only strengthens our resolve to stay indoors and sit out the storm. But not all of us can afford that. The stranded migrant workers, whose plight came to the fore when the initial 21-day lockdown was announced, have to bear the brunt. Their survivability is at stake. When PM had announced the lockdown on March 24, the mass exodus of migrant workers posed a towering administrative challenge for states across the country. Criticism floated as to how the unplanned imposition of lockdown brought about this exodus that could have been more disastrous given the threat of a community transmission that India has been ardently trying to prevent. Improvisation was undertaken to resolve the chaos as some managed to reach homes and others remained stranded, becoming recipients of bold promises from various state administrations that food and shelter would be arranged. Even with all the state promises, their empty pockets and uncertainty over meals was a far bigger concern for them than the pandemic itself — which they did not quite understand. And, between all accounts of people walking hundreds of miles to reach home and NGOs and state governments arranging record levels of food for those stranded, 21 days passed. But when the announcement for extension was made, another wave of migrant workers flocked the streets in Mumbai and Surat. Their demand was the same as before: the right to return home and access to food which they complained was inadequate. Even though Maharashtra CM addressed the situation after police lathi-charged the gathering of some 2000 workers, hushing them back to their shelters, problems remain galore for the administration. Should these migrant workers be allowed to head home through special arrangements made by the Union government? The question has multiple consequences. The number of stranded migrant workers is huge. The risk of community transmission is high. India is at a critical stage. The very need to extend the lockdown was felt because of the steep rise in cases that optimistically suggests how India is approaching the peak of the pandemic. At such a stage, it would be a huge gamble to allow migrants to return their homes in various states. Simply put, it sounds unfeasible. The practical option is to ensure an adequate supply of food and ration to allow them to see out the extension. But there have been accounts of migrant workers being cramped in small homes and unable to follow social distancing norms. Even if they are supplied food, the risk of transmission still remains high.
The migrant worker issue requires a multi-pronged solution. Not only do state governments need to ensure last-mile supply of food and ration through NGOs and administration working in unison, but also test them to rule out any apprehension of community transmission. Mass testing for this section of people is most necessary. While the state governments ensure food supply to all such stranded migrants, the Union government, in turn, has to ensure regular supply of ration to states. Not just ration but funds as well. The GST dues must be paid at the earliest because a delay on Centre's part, makes a sizeable gap in state's ability to combat the incessant troubles arising on-ground, which then widens to become a grave issue for the vulnerable people such as migrant workers who face a test of survivability each day under this national lockdown. Administrative proactiveness at all levels is non-negotiable in this unprecedented hour of crisis.