Empowered groups to set up single platform to fight Coronavirus

New Delhi: Empowered groups of officials mandated to fight the Covid-19 crisis have started work, with one of the first steps likely to be the creation of a single platform for people who wish to collaborate with the government by offering technology or manufacturing capability for vital equipment.

The committee on communication and information will work closely with the regional media as well and is looking at addressing the psychological impact of the lockdown by coming up with a strategy to motivate people during the 21-day ‘stay at home’ directive. "Communication has to be two way. We are trying to put together a single platform for people who have been offering their capabilities to manufacture or facilitate procurement of essential medical accessories, so that they can approach the right agency" Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd), member of the information, communication and public awareness empowered group told ET.

While a lot of companies and individuals have been writing to the government to lend support, a single point resource is lacking that can coordinate these efforts and take positive suggestions from people as well.


Describing the empowered groups as the ‘best form of all of government approach’, Lt Gen Hasnain said a major area to be addressed is motivating people who have been staying at home and those who may to deal with issues like depression.

"The idea is to keep people positive and hopeful, with good examples of how many citizens are going about assisting others," said the retired army officer.