India's Post-Lockdown Recovery: Protecting Workers, Restarting Economy
India's coronavirus lockdown, imposed on March 25, 2020, has had a significant impact on the economy and people's livelihoods. As the lockdown is gradually lifted, the government and businesses are taking steps to protect workers and restart business activity.
Job losses and falling incomes have been widespread due to the halt in business activity. To tackle this, the Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) may launch campaigns to encourage workers to return to their workplaces as businesses resume operations.
The government is also considering measures to ease the financial burden on organisations. The ministry of labour and employment may extend provident fund contribution dates. Additionally, the government could contribute to employers' and employees' share of monthly ESIC contributions for the next three months.
To facilitate the movement and accommodation of migrant workers, coordination between central and state governments, along with trade unions, is crucial. One proposal is to map and deploy migrant workers to nearby factories to restore incomes and reduce travel.
As the lockdown is gradually lifted, protecting the workforce and livelihoods is crucial for India's economic recovery. Businesses face labour shortages, and the government is exploring ways to support both workers and employers. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) benefits may be extended to establishments with 50-60% of their workforce earning up to Rs 25,000 per month. Coordinated efforts are needed to ensure a smooth transition as India navigates its exit from the lockdown.
