Post Lockdown Scenario

After nearly two months of Nation-wide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, India is preparing for easing the curbs in a phase-wise manner and it has already classified the virus affected districts into RED, ORANGE, and GREEN based on the severity of cases and eased few restrictions in green and orange zones. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief ministers of certain states have hinted that COVID-19 would be with us until an antidote or a vaccine is invented which is at least a few months away. Govt. in order to revive the economy which is in the Intensive care unit has started economic activity like the opening of non-essential shops, Passenger trains to important cities, Opening of liquor outlets among others. India could potentially see new things which could be part of our lives like masks and habits like social distancing. Following are a few changes which we could probably witness in our country post-lockdown:

1.     Improved Health Care Infrastructure: India has had a problem with infrastructure in the health department since its independence. But, thanks to Corona the infrastructure in health has improved exceptionally. With Govts ramping up beds, ventilators, proper medication from Dist. Hospitals to the remote PHC’s we can expect better services in Govt hospitals. The Govt, will allocate more funds to this sector in the coming days.

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(c) Livemint

    2. Increase in Indigenously manufactured goods:  With all the trade routes with foreign countries coming to a halt. India could potentially see a growth in the manufacturing of goods that were imported from other countries like PPE’s, electronics, etc.

3.     E-learning: This is already been followed by a few educational institutions to conduct their academic activity which hit a roadblock due to the pandemic. With UGC suggesting its affiliate colleges to revamp their academic structure by making at least one-third of the syllabus to be thought via digital medium and most of the schools are also mulling this system. This could be a significant breakthrough in the Indian education system. 

   4. Virtual Court hearings: Amidst Social distancing norms which are being followed due to the pandemic the Legislature i.e., the courts have shifted their activities from courtrooms to the digital rooms. With the social distancing norms set to continue the legislative body may persist with online hearing which regarded by experts a more beneficial way to address the cases.

5.     Travel: We may no longer or at least for a period of time may not see crowded buses or trains as social distancing may result in nearly 50% fewer passengers onboard against its strength. Airways also seem to be starting their services with 40% of passengers against its maximum capacity.

6.     E-commerce: We might see a major boom in the e-commerce sector with Shopping malls and restaurants to have social distancing norms. Many of them may turn to the E way of delivering commodities at our doorsteps.

7.     Work from Home: Many private tech players may turn to this option in order to avoid social congregations at the workplace. This could be the new normal if you are planning to be an IT employee as companies are preferring shifts to carry out their proceedings. 

8.     Rise of OTT’s: This pandemic has been very beneficial to OTT platforms as the movie lovers had a made a habit of binge-watching in various streaming platforms. With social distancing norms set to continue people might prefer OTT over Theatre.

9.     Sports: There is still a lot of time for the sport to resume and for a longer time we can watch it being played on our electronic gadgets as they might possibly be held closed doors. With already few European football leagues making their moves in that direction it is all set to become a new normal.

  

ABHISHEK REDDY