Janata Curfew: PM Modi's Mantra To Enforce Discipline, Social Distancing Will Work

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for Janata Curfew or to voluntarily go into self-isolation on Sunday from 7 am to 9 pm has several underlying factors. Citizens across the country are bracing themselves to observe Janata curfew which has also been endorsed by many celebrities.

Janata curfew also has a built-in sense of expression of gratitude. The Prime Minister has urged citizens to step out into their balconies at 5.00 pm for five minutes and clap, applaud, or sound bells as an expression of gratitude to doctors, paramedics and those belonging to other important essential services. The exercise is also seen as a therapeutic one.

The March 22 Janata curfew which will be self-imposed by citizens across the country is likely to be successful in view of the preparedness of several states. State governments have thrown their weight behind Janata curfew. In many states and cities, buses will be off the roads. Public transport across the country will see a near shutdown.

About 130 long-distance trains will not operate on Sunday ensuring that many people stay at home or in one place.

Janata curfew will give people an opportunity to enforce self-discipline for 14 hours. It will also be a test for the country's system in terms of crisis management in the days to come.

Similarly, the Prime Minister's call to citizens to observe Janata curfew is also being seen as a dry run for a total lockdown which may be ordered in the future, if necessary. Sunday will additionally give citizens nationwide an opportunity to exercise social distancing effectively.

India has seen 271 cases of COVID-19 so far. A prominent TV channel reported that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed a spike in the number of cases over the last few days. The number of positive cases per day has now doubled, but this is reportedly seen as the normal trajectory of the virus by ICMR scientists.