The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. Many are still reeling from the second wave, while others are bracing for a third. Here is the latest COVID-19 news from India’s hinterlands.
COVID-19 IMPACT
VillageSquare Interview Series – Annu Sunny
In conversation with Annu Sunny
Returned migrants: A pause or the end of a dream?
Lockdown has forced migrant workers to return home. Left with no cash savings and duped of overdue wages, their future seems uncertain more than ever
Multi-pronged plan would help Northeast create sustainable economy
The Northeast, with its past social instability and lack of livelihood avenues lags in development. The pandemic gives the region an opportunity to develop a new economy
Women contribute grains to support vulnerable families during lockdown
With no labor work during lockdown, many women in remote villages lacked essentials to feed their family. Fellow women helped them by building a food bank with contributions
Resourceful producer companies address farmers’ lockdown challenges
As members struggled to buy farm inputs and sell produce, their FPCs, with special permission, arranged for inputs and sold their produce directly to consumers
MGNREGS curbs distress migration, provides employment during lockdown
With agriculture turning unsustainable, villagers migrated to nearby towns for work. Community planning leading to sanctioned MGNREGS works has ensured local livelihood and has stemmed migration
Will the post-pandemic government be more responsible and responsive?
COVID-19 crisis showed how government can work with zeal and efficiency. It will be a welcome outcome of the pandemic If the momentum continues in the new normal
Dongria Kondhs struggle to sell forest produce during lockdown
As the peak harvest season of minor forest produce coincides with the lockdown period, the tribes of Niyamgiri Hills struggle to sustain their forest-based livelihood
Odisha government needs to intervene to mitigate migrant distress
For Odisha that is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, government needs to develop multiple strategies to ensure economic resilience of migrant households against unforeseen shocks