Administrative State in Pandemic Period: Issues and Prospects in Asian Countries

Abstract

A disaster like the Corona pandemic affected the functioning of administration in every country, whether democratic or communist or authoritarian/dictatorship or monarchical as well as those presidential or parliamentary form of government. The pandemic has significantly affected the process and functioning of administration. Asia, one of the biggest continents area-wise and population-wise, has also been affected. It has been observed that the concept of Administrative State propounded by Waldo (1984) is being followed in theory and practice in these countries. This article delves into emerging issues and challenges posed by the corona pandemic in Asian countries and their probable solutions in a time-bound manner on the basis of Waldo’s concept of Administrative State which always stands for rules, regulations, equality, efficiency, accountability and so on. Pandemic has certainly affected the functioning of administrative institutions in Asian countries, some largely and some at a lesser level. There are good prospects for most of the Asian countries for the growth and development in the post-pandemic period as the economy is on the trajectory and showing consistent growth. This article is based on descriptive analysis of government reports (including the health ministry) of countries, particularly from Asia, as well as reports/documents of international/regional organisations/institutions and articles/papers published by the academicians/researchers. The structure, rules and regulations of Administrative States in Asia have not much been considered, rather more focus on strategies and policy perspectives for Covid-19 have been given. Only a few Asian countries could be considered for the article for considerations of manageability.