Japan Extends State of Emergency till 31st May
Japan Government on Monday has extended the state of emergency to 31st May 2020. Earlier PM Shinzo Abe promised to end restrictions, if advised by expert, on 14th May. But Government said that the new corona virus infection rate had yet to drop enough to justify ending measures aimed at slowing the outbreak. Currently, there are 16,000 recorded cases in Japan. Earlier, the PM Shinzo Abe imposed state of emergency after the strong pressure created by the opposition.
PM Shinzo Abe said in Press Conference that, “May will be a month where we need to end this pandemic. It will also be a month where we will prepare for the next stage.”
What is the meaning of State of Emergency in Japan?
- Since Japan is the 3rd largest democracy in the World so it is evident that the PM in Japan does not have the power to declare state of emergency before consulting with the government task force and health experts to assess whether such a declaration is necessary.
- State of Emergency focuses on local administrative efforts and financial resources in a way that allows the affected areas to respond with medical aid more easily.
- Japan’s governors now will have more legal authority to take what measures they deem necessary to prevent more widespread infection. Like, Governors can impose fine on the uncooperative businesses in order to secure adequate supplies of medicine and other necessary goods.
- Mayors and village heads will have less autonomy but can make request to the Governors.
- Governors can request that schools should remain closed.
- Governors can ask citizens to stay indoor but there will be no punishment if any one ignores.
- Talking about transport such as railways, buses etc there is confusing whether they will be opened or closed. Currently, rails and other public transport is running smoothly in Japan.
Conclusion:
By reading the above points, we can say that state of emergency will make regional government headed by the Governors more powerful and Governor can take strict actions to stop the spread of the infection. Also, it will focus on local administrative efforts and financial resources in a way that allows the affected areas to respond with medical aid more easily.
Further, state of emergency comparing with Indian National Emergency is different. In India National Emergency is imposed by the President on the Written recommendation from the cabinet and not merely on the advice of PM. Also, it must be approved by both houses of Parliament within one month from date of its issue. So, in India PM has no or less power to declare the the Emergency. It is to be also noted that India has adopted Emergency provisions from the Germany.
References:
1. News Coverage: Reuters & Japantimes.
2. Books: J.N. Pandey & Laxmikant
3. Picture Courtesy: https://www.straitstimes.com
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