ARTICLE | Economy & Industries
Work, business, and progress
in a new uncertain world The vicious fallout of the Coronavirus pandemic has been the most profound in recent history – the most impactful in the last several decades that one can recall. Its outcomes will unfold gradually as we see phased relaxations in the series of lockdowns. The impacts will manifest in the way we conduct our daily lives, and the way businesses and economic activities reorient themselves. As we start preparing for wide ranging, disruptive changes, here’s a look at some possibilities…
‘L
ife will not be the same anymore’ is a common sentiment expressed by large sections of our population, whether they belong to the corporate world, own small businesses, are working professionals, or workmen. There are several reasons for these outbursts which are now coming forth in the aftermath of the lockdowns put in place in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and the potential health hazards of the virus. Primarily large sections of the working
population especially the migrant workmen who left their villages and towns (and their families) to seek remunerative livelihood options in the cities have been put to severe hardship due to loss of livelihoods, incomes and basic necessities while often living away from their families. This section of the population has been very much in the news. Many of them tried to make it to their distant homes and families on foot given the absence of transportation. Governments including local governments swung into action by discouraging them to travel and to stay put where they were, while providing them shelter and food. Railways soon started large numbers of ‘Shramik Special’ trains especially for these persons to travel home.
Impact on industry
However, having tasted the difficult t i m e s being away from their families, worrying about their own well-being and that of their families, many of these migrant labourers expressed
32 May 2020 | www.urbanupdate.in
the desire to stay back in their home towns and not return to the city even if their livelihood was at risk. This has significant implications for industry in and around our cities. There is likely to be a big vacuum and a shortage of labour for industries such as construction and manufacturing. A recent report has quoted FMCG companies in the processed foods sector stating that they have big demand but need to deploy more workmen and run additional hours and have sought permissions from authorities for the same. As more industrial units, construction sites, and others open up depending upon the level of relaxation allowed by the authorities, there could be a surge in demand for workmen. Other aspects of life, especially in the cities may have big impacts. Social distancing, wearing of masks and new hygiene protocols are already prevalent and will be a part of our everyday lives in the future. What are the potential impacts for businesses like cinema houses and multiplexes? Will current seating patterns be discarded? Will it be possible now to operate movie shows back-to-back or will there be a minimum time gap between shows to allow for easy exit and entry of viewers. What about stadium events including blockbuster cricket matches? It is almost certain that authorities will put in place regulations with respect to all these to control spread of the virus – the Corona Virus now, and other potential public health dangers of the future. Several experts and restaurant
