Lockdown woes: Nearly 80% of rural India stopped working, 68% faced severe monetary difficulties, says survey
These figures were thrown up by a survey conducted by Lokniti-CSDS and Gaon Connections Insight, and it also came to light that MGNREGA started by the UPA govt provided some relief during the lockdown
The reason why the country’s economy plummeted during the lockdown, with the rural economy suffering the most, is the stopping of work in rural areas and severe cash crunch.
A survey conducted by Lokniti-CSDS and Gaon Connections Insight has concluded that nearly 80 per cent people stopped working during the lockdown. The survey also found that nearly 70 per cent people faced high or very high monetary difficulties during the same period.
Based on face to face interviews with 25,300 respondents, the survey that was conducted at the national level, concluded that nearly 60% of the skilled workforce faced a complete shutdown.
“The survey was conducted using a structured and standardised interview schedule that was administered via a specially designed mobile phone application. The interview schedule was designed by researchers at CSDS for Gaon Connection,” said Gaon Connection.
As per the survey, MGNREGA launched by the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government provided some relief, with 20% of the respondents saying that they availed work under the scheme during the lockdown.
While 23% said that they had to borrow money during the lockdown to survive, 71% said they got rations from the government.
Surprisingly, despite hardships and lack of work,on an average, three out of four said they are satisfied with the handling of the pandemic by the Modi government.
Highlighting inadequate health services in rural India, the survey said nearly 40% had gone without medical treatment.
India has announced phase wise lockdown starting from March 24 to contain the spread of virus. The first phase of the lockdown was announced for 21 days. On April 14, it was extended till May 3. Then again it was extended till May 17. The lockdown was further extended till 31 May by the National Disaster Management Authority. The process of unlocking was started in June with restrictions on containment zones.
Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google News, Instagram
Join our official telegram channel (@nationalherald) and stay updated with the latest headlines
Published: 11 Aug 2020, 12:24 PM