Lockdown Woes

The two lockdowns during the first wave of coronavirus last year and the second wave this year have hit the Indian economy hard, contracting by 7.3% in the fiscal year 2020-21 according to the gross domestic product (GDP) statistics released by the National Statistical Office on May 31. Though the country’s GDP grew by 0.5% in the third quarter and 1.6% in the fourth quarter of 2020-21 showing some glimpses of recovery,  the lockdown induced by the second wave could result in backsliding of the upturn. However, the Indian economy, which has gone into a tail-spin since last year could recover in due course of time if the declining trend of Covid cases continues and if the country manages to control a possible third wave. Those that will take a longer time to bounce back from this crisis are the common citizens, especially the daily wage earners.

The Covid-induced lockdown has caused untold suffering to poorer sections of society. Yes, it has affected everyone but the poor have been hit harder than others. Their struggle is a matter life and death as they are left worried every single day about putting food on the table for their families. For many, children’s education and other essential needs have become secondary as their source of income has been cut off completely with lockdown turning from days to weeks and to months. Uncomfortable silence could be heard this time around, as people were hit once again just when they were about to get back on their feet after the previous jolt. So, the relief work taken up by the government of Nagaland to assist the daily wage earners and labourers is a welcome move. Actually, a much-needed move. Distribution of relief items or ration has already started in Kohima and Dimapur, the two major urban areas of the state. The Dimapur district administration has said that about 7000 households from the district, both urban and rural, who were affected by the lockdown would get the help. The state capital and the commercial hub are home to most daily wage earners and migrant workers. So, it is only fair to begin relief programmes in these two cities before reaching out to other district headquarters, towns and villages.

However, the success of this relief programme will depend on how district administrations, volunteers, village councils and those in charge of distributing the items execute it. They should ensure that no deserving persons are left out. On the other hand, the Central and state governments should also chart out plans well in advance in case a similar situation arises in the future. This is important as another lockdown can’t be ruled out if third wave of Covid strikes in future, as warned by some health experts. If such a situation arises, the scale of suffering could penetrate other sections of the society like small business people. For daily wage earners and labourers, who have already been bitten twice, another bite could make them forever shy.