What is it about?
The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the world of work, particularly labour. Worldwide economic crises and unemployment present a difficult road ahead in ensuring the sound health and productivity of labour. Among developing countries, India has been at the centre stage of this catastrophe, with millions of labourers suddenly losing their jobs and in desperate need of livelihoods to survive. Emergency policy measures undertaken to sustain industrial growth in the crises may not be comforting to the labour in India in the long run. This paper is intended to help policymakers and the civil engineering community in meeting the urgency of resolving the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.
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Why is it important?
The global workforce, particularly labourers, has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Worldwide financial turmoil and joblessness pose significant challenges in maintaining the well-being and efficiency of the labour force. India, among other developing nations, has been at the epicentre of this calamity, with countless workers abruptly becoming unemployed and in dire need of income sources for survival. While emergency policies implemented to sustain industrial growth during the crisis may offer temporary relief, they may not provide long-term comfort to Indian labourers. This study aims to assist policymakers and civil engineers in addressing the pressing need to mitigate the negative consequences of the COVID-19 crisis.
Perspectives
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the global workforce, particularly affecting labourers. The resulting economic upheaval and unemployment present considerable obstacles in sustaining the productivity and well-being of workers worldwide. Developing countries like India have been particularly hard-hit by this crisis, with numerous workers suddenly finding themselves jobless and desperately seeking means of income to survive. Although emergency measures implemented to maintain industrial growth during this period may provide short-term relief, they might not offer lasting security for Indian workers. This research seeks to support policymakers and civil engineers in their efforts to alleviate the adverse effects of the COVID-19 crisis.
Soumyajit Koley
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Briefing: Grim future of work and labour after the 2020 pandemic, with reference to India, Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Engineering Sustainability, April 2021, ICE Publishing,
DOI: 10.1680/jensu.20.00081.
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