Conducting commerce sans currency
A former associate editor with the Times of India, Jug Suraiya writes two regular columns for the print edition, Jugular Vein, which appears every Friday, and Second Opinion, which appears on Wednesdays. His blog takes a contrarian view of topical and timeless issues, political, social, economic and speculative. LESS. MORE
Like the ebb and flow of ocean tides, the human sea of migrant labourers who had surged out of cities to return home after their incomes were jeopardised by the first lockdown, and who eddied back in search of urban employment, once again poured out of metros as new curfews and restrictions were imposed in a desperate bid to check the implacable and alarming spread of the coronavirus.
Representational image. | Xavier Galiana / AFP
Even as tragedies stemming from the current wave of Covid-19 pandemic unfold in Indian cities, less visible ones have started emerging in the villages. Rural India is no longer just a receptor for returning migrants in the current wave, it is already a site where resources and coping mechanisms have been stretched. Accounts coming in from the field point to the times of distress that will quickly turn into a catastrophe of unimaginable scale, if not addressed immediately.
An unfolding crisis
Unlike the previous exodus, returning migrants are now more likely to be not only carrying the disease with them but also a very different attitude towards it. They are returning after months with limited or no income and diminished nutrition. Having gone back to cities only recently, they are also returning with far fewer economic resources.
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The women of Meghalaya’s Dehalbagan village aren’t strangers to hard work. Belonging to a matrilineal society, they might enjoy privileges like inheriting family property, but it is mostly managed by men. As a result, they are often left with limited bargaining power and financial independence. Until two years ago, their only options of livelihood were doing odd jobs, working in factories or collecting betel leaves and wild vegetables.
Cue to the present. Many of the women are the face of the eco-friendly brand ‘GoGaro’ launched by a network of six women, namely the ‘Nangrima SHG’ that make utensils made from locally sourced areca leaves and bring home a stable income. Additionally, over 5 more SHGs provided support in terms of raw materials as well.
Going beyond Tamil Nadu’s ‘freebies’ narrative
Updated:
Updated:
April 04, 2021 23:43 IST
Other important promises that could touch, and likely improve, the lives of millions rarely make headlines
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Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam presents a free bicycle to a student at Palanichettipatti near Theni on December 30, 2020. | Photo Credit: The Hindu
Other important promises that could touch, and likely improve, the lives of millions rarely make headlines
Disparaging references to “freebies” are a popular trope of media coverage of elections in Tamil Nadu. This Assembly election is no different: free data, free tabs, free washing machines were in the news as political parties released their election manifestos. Electoral promises serve as a road map for elected governments and deserve greater scrutiny. I took a quick look at the full manifestos in English of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Indian National Congress, the Makkal Nee
Battleground Bengal: This Crucial Poll Promise Of BJP Is Driving Passionate Support In North Bengal s Hills And Dooars swarajyamag.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from swarajyamag.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.