Gujarat Government’s Response to COVID-19
Distilled Policy Brief
- As of May 2, Gujarat recorded 4,721 confirmed COVID-19 cases, representing the second highest in the country after Maharashtra, with 3,750 active cases and 236 deaths.
- On March 30, COVID-19 was included as a notified disaster under the State Disaster Response Fund to cover relief expenditure for stranded and displaced persons.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) utilization and statutory powers under the Epidemic Diseases Act/Regulations during public health emergencies.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Examine the role of sub-national governance, proactive state legislation, and disaster management frameworks in responding to pandemic crises in India.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to the measures taken by the Gujarat Government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements: 1. On March 30, COVID-19 was included as a notified disaster under the State Disaster Response Fund. 2. As of May 2, Gujarat recorded the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- [A] 1 only
- [B] 2 only
- [C] Both 1 and 2
- [D] Neither 1 nor 2
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statement 1 is correct because on March 30, COVID-19 was indeed included as a notified disaster under the State Disaster Response Fund to cover relief expenditure for stranded and displaced persons. Statement 2 is incorrect because as of May 2, Gujarat recorded the second highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country after Maharashtra, not the highest.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.