Strategic debate on financial inclusion: Is life or livelihood a false choice

• Main Author: GHOSH, Aurobindo
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2022
• Subjects: Covid-19; pandemics; government policy; economic policy; Finance and Financial Management; Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration; Public Health
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/7063
• Institution: Singapore Management University

A multi-generational pandemic has ravaged the world in 2020–2021. Policymakers have been grappling with the path for reopening the economy back to the new normalcy. The author re-examines an oft-repeated policy dilemma. In a decision theoretic framework, the author evaluates the strategic challenge faced by policymakers and illustrates the cost and benefit describing an unenviable choice between life and livelihood. The author addresses the apparent dichotomy, “Is it possible to support both life and livelihood and not choose between them?” Finally, he discusses the pitfalls of misinformation and a possible pathway to recovery paved with a resurgence of the human spirit of collaboration and ingenuity.