Equity vital in revival of economy

As we all know that outbreak of coronavirus was first identified in Wuhan, China in December, 2019. Unexpectedly, the virus hit and damaged China badly. Shortly after that, the rest of the world came under the impact of the virus. It became pandemic within no time. India has taken early action to limit the spread of Covid–19 by ordering 21-day nation-wide lockdown in March. The lockdown has drastically brought the Indian economy to a standstill.

The lockdown has virtually disrupted all activities in manufacturing and agriculture as well as the education sector. Schools and colleges in China and few other countries were closed down in order to arrest the virus transmission. However, by March 2020 nearly 75 countries have announced that schools and colleges should be closed. This has affected the education sector very badly. A number of students had plans to pursue their higher education in universities.

But, now students have fewer opportunities for learning, even from home. There has been exploration in digital learning and internet connectivity. But, only a handful of private schools and colleges could adopt online teaching methods. Their low-income private and Government school counterparts, on the other hand, are completely shut down for not having access to e–learning solutions. The Government should focus on exploring digital learning in public schools. Distance learning programs should also be included for the students coming from lower income groups.

Agricultural operations have been hampered due to non-availability of labourers, who fled to their native homes. Lack of transportation too added to the woes of farmers. Lockdown has forced many hotels, restaurants to closedown, which indirectly has hit milk and vegetables sales.

Measures are required to be taken to keep agricultural sector function smoothly. Keeping supply chains functioning well is crucial for food security. The Government should promote home delivery of groceries and vegetables. Farm population must be protected from the spread of virus by testing and practicing social distancing. Let us stay healthy at home and fight together against Covid-19. Stay Home. Stay Safe.

M Bhavya, B Tech first year in Civil Engineering,Sri Vidyaniketan Engineering College Tirupati.