Articles by Pranshu Rathee

Under normal circumstances, the poor would find a way out by borrowing amongst themselves. But this is not an option as everyone is under severe distress.

In an emergency like the present, the state should ensure that the poor — estimated to be around 20 lakh in Bengaluru — have access to its public distribution system. Interestingly, the Food and Civil Supplies Department says there are only 16 lakh ration cards in the city. This, while there is enough to feed all for 15 months, say experts.

In just three weeks, COVID-19 has severely impacted life in Bengaluru. What issues have cropped up during this period, and how well has the State responded to these?

While there is no review or clarity on how much of the 2019 Budget got implemented in the year that went by, Bengaluru got a similar amount of money in the 2020 Budget for programmes that are a continuation of the previous ones.