The whole world is reeling under the Unsurmountable Pressure created by the Deadly Coronavirus. Mankind, Economies, Livestock, Wildlife every aspect of nature’s creation is bearing the wrath of the Creator. So, how can our Motherland not bear the brunt of nature’s fury? The Indian Government led by PM Narendra Modi has taken all the necessary steps to curb the impact of Covid 19. Social distancing, Staying indoor and Maintaining hygiene are the key to avoiding being contracted by this virus.
With news of the lockdown being extended till the 3rd of May’2020 things are definitely looking gloomy. I do understand that this is the need of the hour to further avoid the peril, but honestly, I could not stop myself from thinking about the long lasting after effects of the lockdown. This is what I think :
- Indian Economy to be hit hard: Analysts predict that the current extension of lockdown would hit hard the economy. It might cost an additional staggered 10 to 12 lakh crore apart from the 7 to 8 lakh crore it has already costed. Whhoaa, I mean this would bore a crater in the economy! God save us.
To be more precise, Acuite Ratings & Research Ltd earlier this month estimated that the lockdown will cost the Indian economy almost USD 4.64 billion (over Rs 35,000 crore) every day and the entire 21-day lockdown will result in a GDP loss of almost USD 98 billion (about Rs 7.5 lakh crore). The sectors to have taken the maximum hit are Hotel, Restaurant, Real estate, Transport, Entertainment, Retail etc - Surge in the Unemployment rate : In all it’s probability, Unemployment rate is going to spike with layoffs being expected from several sectors. Even though the honourable PM has requested employers not to lay-off but the big question is, “Where is the revenue going to come from?” . Sectors wherein employees need to be on the field to generate revenue have their hands tied as people need to stay indoors. With revenues plummeting to reduced numbers, the future of such companies seem bleak. The CMIE Data does not give an encouraging figure at all. Gory situation indeed!
- Anxiety level up among employees : Sectors such as that of Hotel & Restaurants, Poultry, Petroleum, Entertainment industry, Transportation etc have been hit the hardest. Unlike the IT & ITES sectors they don’t have the privilege of WFM (Work From Home). This has led to low employee morale and is taking a toll on their mental health. They are feeling anxious and uncertain about what lies in the future. Employers should take stock of the situation and do their best to motivate their employees. Employees should be assured that this is a temporary phase and would be overcome by combined efforts of one and all.
Taking a cue from their counterparts and to meet the current situation that is going to linger for long, corporates should come up with innovative strategies not to exclude, the inclusion of an e-commerce portfolio. A solid back up plan is also need of the hour. - Life and Livelihood : After the lockdown is lifted, one would need to be absolutely ready to take new challenges head-on. The threat to life would however loom large as no one knows how much time will it take to completely get rid of this deadly virus. Going out for livelihood would definitely put the person at huge risk to contract this deadly virus. His/Her family will not be spared either. There might be children or elderly people who could be highly vulnerable. So social distancing and proper hygiene is here to stay for long. Bread earners have to be extra cautious.One can’t be rest assured even if the lockdown is lifted and life starts getting back to square one.
One can’t ignore the fact that every coin has got two sides. On a cheerful note, the Lockdown has added several positive aspects as well:
- Reduction in expenses : Since most of us are staying indoors, most of our unwanted expenses that we incur in our day-today life have reduced. Similarly companies are saving big time on account of several heads.
- More family time : For years we have craved for spending more time with family. Long travelling hours, work hours and work stress have always made us feel we have ignored fulfilling our duties towards our family. Specially for working mothers who have undergone bouts of depression for not being able to be with their child when they needed them the most, it’s the best time to bond and spend quality time with children and your family.
- An opportunity for nature to regain it’s lost glory : As more and more countries embrace the lockdown theory and most of the people staying indoor, nature is at it’s glorious best. Severely polluted cities of India like New Delhi, Jharia from Jharkhand, Muzzafarpur, Gaya, Bhandwari etc have recorded remarkable drop in the pollution levels and the residents couldn’t be happier to view many magnificient sights in decades.
Restrictions in human movements have enabled birds, animals and many endangered species to take the centre stage. Due to reduction in Noise pollution the once bustling cities are being taken over by the beautiful chirping of birds. Residents are witnessing rare birds like Peacocks, Storks, Hornbills etc adorning their balcony railings or terraces, much to their pleasure. National parks and zoos are also seeing movement of several endangered mammals and other animals on the deserted roads. Phew, can we ask for more?
Well, having these perks would never mean that we want things to continue being the same. Honourable PM has extended the lockdown till the 3rd of May 2020, amidst a number of uncertainties. The lockdown to be relaxed for areas that pass the litmus test. But on the hind set there are several things that the PM missed out:
- When all eyes were set on the measures to be implemented for the benefit of the poor, there were no announcements made on this issue.
- There were no impetus for the revival of the economy that is anyways experiencing downward movement.
- Unfortunately there was no response on the demand for additional funds for fighting COVID 19 by state CMs.
Well, there are few more questions that loom large. PM has urged companies not to lay off employees, but the larger question is how to generate revenue to meet the overhead expenses. The PMO has been silent on this and an economic impetus from the FM is nowhere to be seen. Well, all is not gloomy and there is definitely a Silver lining. Owing to the rapid actions taken by the Indian government we are doing far better than several developed economies like the US, UK, Italy, Spain etc.
It’s high time to stand united (virtually though) for the bigger interest of mankind. Let life triumph over everything, lest you know “If you have life, you have the world”.
So let’s not loose heart, let’s follow and enjoy the Quarantine bliss and work together for a better tomorrow.