Let no panic set in |
The war in the West Asia and its consequences look like mounting. Though some feeble sounds suggest that a ceasefire is also a likely surprise in the times ahead, but the dominant feeling is that the tremors are only intensifying. Since oil and gas supplies have already started getting impacted, the energy scenario, world over, is projected as bleak.
Sensing the same Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, also underlined ‘serious side effects of the war.’ Speaking in the Parliament PM threw a reference to the times when COVID pandemic engulfed the world, and India had to take some tough decisions. Though COVID and the current crisis are two qualitatively different happenings, but the impact can be equally widespread. In such a situation there is a reason for people to sense panic. If, due to fuel shortage, movement of people and goods gets restricted, it automatically means reduced economic activity. It will also impact the day to day working of the government, the markets, and the individuals in their respective spheres.
Reading the fine print of the situation PM, in his statement in the Parliament, tried to prepare the country for any long term potential impact of the war. The constitution of seven empowered groups to deal with the impact of the war in West Asia goes on to suggest the same. The PM also urged the states to work in tandem with the Centre to brace this challenge. All this is a matter of how well the administration acts.
There are always two ways of doing things. One is to raise seriousness about the problems and accordingly take some decision, howsoever tough. Second is to strike panic and complicate things even when that could be avoided. While government at the Centre and all the governments in states take steps to mitigate the effects of this war, precisely the energy crisis, utmost care should be to avoid any panic reactions from people. That is the real task of the leadership at all levels. The position of the oil and gas stocks should be communicated to people well, the distribution points should be managed efficiently, and an awareness should be raised that any shortage of fuel doesn’t mean that life comes to a grinding halt. Life goes on, and things finally change for better.