Fiscal friction

Central govt should not leave everything to states

The number of new Covid-19 cases continues to rise at an alarming rate and is putting enormous pressure on medical infrastructure in various parts of the country. A number of states have imposed restrictions on public mobility to contain the spread of the virus. Delhi, for instance, is under lockdown for a week. Rising cases, along with restrictions on mobility, are affecting economic activity. It is likely that restrictions and the fear of infection will not abate in a hurry. However, despite this rapidly worsening environment, the Central government is reportedly unwilling to extend fiscal support. The thinking seems to