We still need our governments

Delhi, the capital of India, is reeling under an outbreak of Dengue and Chikungunya fever. The Delhi chief minister was in Bengaluru for a throat operation and his deputy is reportedly in Finland. All hell has broken loose and there is utter chaos.

Another terrorist attack killed 18 soldiers in Uri, bringing Kashmir to the international limelight again. The Indian public wanted immediate retribution across the border, reported the media. The public wanted the government of India to do something, an eye for an eye, to avenge the lost lives.

In both the cases, the public belonging to all classes exhorted the government to intervene or perform a proactive role. Whereas in other matters, we often hear arguments that advocate a lesser and lesser government role, regulation and control.

While national security and territorial integrity would invite governmental intervention, the outcry for lack of government intervention in areas like health and education illustrate another point. Much of the basic infrastructure is still lacking in these primary sectors. For example, health care is heavily privatized and beyond the reach of the majority of Indians. A clean, mosquito-free environment is still a dream for millions.

This is why even at this age of globalization and automation, we still need our governments. Strong central and state governments to provide basic facilities. It is also one area that we have consistently underperformed and underachieved since the 90s. The earlier we realize it, the better it is for India.