14. Legislating a Pandemic Response

M.R. Madhavan, President of PRS Legislative Research, talks to host Pavan Srinath about how the Indian State and Union legislatures have been missing in action during the COVID-19 pandemic.  While the UK, New Zealand and other democracies have had an active legislature, the Indian parliament was not addressing the pandemic until the lockdown, and has not acted since. Madhavan suggests how India can pass new laws, oversee the executive and carry out its constitutional role during the ongoing pandemic. MR Madhavan is the President and Co-Founder of PRS Legislative Research, one of India's most unique and impactful think-tanks. PRS tracks the functioning of the Indian Parliament and works with MPs across political parties and MLAs from various states. PRS provides research support to legislators via analysis of legislative issues, by providing fellowships to research assistants and more.  During COVID-19, PRS has been tracking over 4,000 government orders and rules till date across State and Union levels on their website. Visit the Bangalore International Centre website for more links and show notes for the episode, and to stay up to date on livestreams, upcoming podcast episodes and future events.