Top economists, intellectuals propose an all-powerful communist regime to tackle corona crisis

An economic action plan endorsed by leading public intellectuals suggests India must do “whatever it takes” to raise resources during the coronavirus pandemic, even treating private property as a national resource.

But for many, that idea is outrageous.

Mission Jai Hind, a seven-point plan of action made public on Friday, urges the government to provide travel services for migrant workers hoping to return to home, free healthcare for coronavirus patients, compensation for job and wage losses and universal access to expanded rations.But the source of consternation is a line saying all resources “with the citizens or within the nation”, such as cash, real estate, property and bonds, “must be treated as national resources available during this crisis”.

Several Twitter users made their displeasure plain.