DELHI TECHNOLOGICAL

UNIVERSITY

HU318-PWS(Professional Writing Skills)

Post Covid Life/

Situation in India
Submitted by -
Raj Shekhar Verma(2K19/CE/100)
Ayush Ranjan (2k19/AE/016)

Submitted to Prof Rajiv

Introduction

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on India. As of my knowledge cutoff in September

2021, India was one of the worst-affected countries in the world, with over 33 million
confirmed cases and over 440,000 deaths attributed to the virus.
India saw a surge in cases and deaths during the second wave of the pandemic, which began in
early 2021 and peaked in May. During this time, hospitals were overwhelmed, and there were
reports of oxygen shortages and people dying due to lack of medical care.
The Indian government implemented a range of measures to try and control the spread of the
virus, including lockdowns, curfews, and restrictions on gatherings. Vaccination efforts were
also ramped up, with multiple vaccines being approved for use in India.
However, vaccine hesitancy and supply issues have been a challenge, and as of September
2021, only around 30% of the population was fully vaccinated.
India had reported more than 33 million confirmed cases of Covid-19 and over 440,000
deaths. However, it is important to note that these numbers may have increased significantly
since then.
The second wave, which began in March 2021 and peaked in May, overwhelmed India's
healthcare system. Hospitals were running out of oxygen and other essential supplies, and
there were reports of patients dying due to lack of medical care. The surge in cases also led to
a shortage of hospital beds and medical staff.
The Indian government imposed strict lockdown measures to control the spread of the virus,
which had an impact on the economy. Many businesses were forced to shut down, and
millions of people lost their jobs. The government introduced various relief measures to
support
individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic.
India's vaccination drive has also faced challenges, including supply constraints and
vaccine hesitancy. However, the government has been ramping up its vaccination efforts
in recent
months, and as of my knowledge cutoff date, over 750 million vaccine doses had
been administered.
Overall, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on India, and the country
continues to face challenges in controlling the spread of the virus and mitigating its economic
impact.
Impact on economy

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Indian economy. India went into
a nationwide lockdown in March 2020 to contain the spread of the virus, which led to a
contraction in economic activity. Here are some of the impacts of the pandemic on the
Indian economy:

GDP contraction: India's GDP contracted by 7.7% in the financial year 2020-21, which is
the worst contraction in decades. The pandemic led to a nationwide lockdown, which
severely
impacted the economy, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, and transportation.
The closure of businesses and factories led to a sharp decline in consumer demand, further
worsening the economic situation. However, the Indian government has taken several
measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the economy. These include relief
packages for businesses, tax incentives, and increased spending on infrastructure projects.
As the vaccination drive gains momentum, the economy is expected to recover gradually. In
the current fiscal year (2021-2022), the Reserve Bank of India has projected a GDP growth
rate of 9.5%, which is a significant improvement over the previous year's contraction.
However, the pace of the recovery remains uncertain and may be influenced by factors such
as the spread of new COVID-19 variants, the effectiveness of vaccination efforts, and global
economic
conditions.

Job losses: The pandemic led to job losses across several sectors, particularly in the
informal sector. According to a survey conducted by the Centre for Monitoring Indian
Economy, more
than 21 million salaried employees lost their jobs between April and August 2020. According
to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), India lost around 15.5 million jobs
in the first quarter of 2020 alone, which was the highest number of job losses in the
Asia-Pacific region. sectors that were hit the hardest included hospitality, tourism, retail, and
aviation. The
lockdown measures and travel restrictions had a severe impact on these sectors, leading to
widespread job losses. The informal sector, which employs a significant portion of the Indian
workforce, was also hit hard.
However, the Indian government has taken several measures to support the economy and create
jobs. The government launched the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, a stimulus package aimed at
reviving the economy. The package includes measures such as credit guarantees for small
businesses and direct cash transfers to farmers and low-income households.
The government has also launched several schemes to create employment opportunities, such
as the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan, which aims to provide employment opportunities to
migrant workers who returned to their villages during the pandemic. Overall, while the
pandemic has led to significant job losses in India, the government has taken steps to mitigate
the impact and create employment opportunities. However, it may take some time for the
economy to fully recover and for the job market to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Disruption in supply chains: The lockdown led to a disruption in supply chains, which
affected several sectors, including manufacturing, construction, and retail. One of the major
impacts of the pandemic on supply chains in India has been the disruption in the movement
of goods. The
lockdowns imposed to contain the spread of the virus resulted in the closure of factories and
the disruption of logistics and transportation networks. This led to a shortage of raw
materials and

finished goods, which in turn affected the supply of essential goods such as food, medical
supplies, and other critical goods.
Another factor that has impacted supply chains in India is the decrease in demand for certain
products. The pandemic has affected the purchasing power of consumers, and they are now
focusing on buying only essential items. As a result, many companies have had to cut back on
production, leading to a slowdown in the overall supply chain.
In addition, the pandemic has also highlighted the vulnerabilities of supply chains in India.
Many companies are overly reliant on a few key suppliers, making them vulnerable to supply
chain disruptions. To mitigate this risk, companies are now exploring options to diversify
their supplier base and explore local sourcing of raw materials and finished goods.
Overall, the disruption in supply chains post Covid-19 in India has highlighted the need for
more resilient and flexible supply chains. Companies will need to focus on building more
agile and adaptable supply chains that can withstand unforeseen disruptions and challenges.
Reduced consumer spending: Due to the lockdown and job losses, consumer spending
decreased, leading to a slowdown in economic activity.
Reduction in exports: The pandemic has also led to a reduction in exports, with several
countries imposing restrictions on imports. India's exports were severely affected due to
disruptions in global supply chains, logistic challenges, and a decrease in global demand.
According to data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India's merchandise exports
in April 2020
contracted by 60.28% to $10.36 billion as compared to $26.07 billion in April 2019.
Similarly, in May 2020, India's exports fell by 36.47% to $19.05 billion as compared to
$30.01 billion in May 2019. However, India's exports gradually recovered in the following
months due to various policy measures taken by the government, such as the introduction of
the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to boost manufacturing and exports.
According to the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India's merchandise
exports in March 2021 stood at $34
billion, up by 60.29% compared to March 2020.
Despite the recovery, the overall export performance of India has been impacted by the
second wave of COVID-19. The restrictions on mobility and economic activities imposed by
various state governments to control the spread of the virus have disrupted supply chains and
led to a decline in demand. Moreover, the surge in global commodity prices, particularly of
crude oil and steel, has also increased input costs for exporters.
In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant reduction in India's exports, but
the situation has improved gradually with the government's policy measures. However, the
second wave of COVID-19 has once again impacted exports, and the situation remains
uncertain.
Government measures: The Indian government announced several measures to boost the
economy, including a stimulus package worth $266 billion, which included cash transfers,
loan guarantees, and other measures. As of my knowledge cutoff date in 2021, the Indian
government had taken a number of measures in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. These
measures
included:

Nationwide lockdown: In March 2020, the Indian government imposed a nationwide

lockdown to curb the spread of the virus. This lockdown lasted for several months and was
gradually lifted in phases.
Economic relief measures: The Indian government announced several economic relief
measures to support businesses and individuals affected by the pandemic. These measures
included direct cash transfers, loan moratoriums, and tax breaks.
Healthcare infrastructure: The Indian government invested heavily in expanding the country's
healthcare infrastructure to cope with the pandemic. This included setting up new hospitals and
increasing the availability of medical supplies.

Vaccination drive: In 2021, the Indian government launched a nationwide vaccination

drive to vaccinate its citizens against Covid-19. The drive was initially focused on
healthcare workers and vulnerable populations but was later expanded to cover the general
population.

Social distancing guidelines: The Indian government issued guidelines for social distancing
and hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus. These guidelines included wearing masks,
maintaining physical distance, and avoiding large gatherings. It's important to note that the
situation is evolving and the government may have taken additional measures since my
knowledge cutoff
date.

Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Indian economy, and it
will take some time for the economy to recover fully.

Impact on the Healthcare System

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in India,
which has faced several challenges. Here are some of the key impacts on the healthcare
system in India post-COVID-19:

Overburdened Healthcare System: The COVID-19 pandemic has put tremendous pressure on
the healthcare system in India, which has been struggling to cope with the sudden surge in
cases.
Hospitals and healthcare workers have been overwhelmed, leading to a shortage of beds,
medical equipment, and essential medicines.

Changes in Healthcare Delivery: The pandemic has forced healthcare providers to adopt
new ways of delivering care, including telemedicine and virtual consultations, to reduce the
risk of infection. This has led to an increase in the use of digital health technologies, which
is likely to continue post-COVID-19.
Increase in Mental Health Issues: The pandemic has taken a toll on people's mental health,
and there has been a significant increase in mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and
stress. The healthcare system in India needs to address this growing problem by increasing
access to mental health services.
Focus on Public Health: The pandemic has highlighted the importance of public health
measures like vaccination, sanitation, and hygiene. The government needs to invest more in
public health infrastructure to prevent and control future pandemics.
Need for Health Insurance: The pandemic has underscored the need for health insurance in
India, where a large percentage of the population is uninsured. The government needs to
promote
health insurance schemes and make them more accessible and affordable to ensure that
everyone has access to healthcare.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system
in India. The government needs to take measures to address the challenges and build a resilient
healthcare system that can cope with future pandemics.

Impact on Education

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the education system in India. The
closure of schools and universities due to the pandemic has disrupted the academic calendar,
and the switch to online education has created new challenges and opportunities.
Here are some of the key impacts of COVID-19 on the education system in India:
Online Education: The pandemic has forced schools and universities to shift to online
learning. While this has allowed for some continuity in education, it has also highlighted the
digital divide in the country. Many students do not have access to computers or the internet,
which has made it difficult for them to participate in online classes.
Learning Loss: The prolonged closure of schools has resulted in a significant loss of learning
for students, particularly those from low-income families. The lack of access to quality
education and support has widened the achievement gap, with disadvantaged students falling
behind their more privileged peers.
Exam Delays: The pandemic has also resulted in the postponement of many exams,
including board exams and entrance exams for higher education. This has disrupted the
admission process for colleges and universities, and the delay in the release of results has
caused anxiety among students.

Mental Health: The pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of students, teachers,
and parents. The uncertainty and stress of the pandemic, combined with the isolation of
remote
learning, have led to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Opportunity for Innovation: While the pandemic has created many challenges for the
education system, it has also presented an opportunity for innovation. Schools and
universities have had to adapt to new technologies and teaching methods, which could lead
to more effective and accessible education in the future.

Impact on Employment
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on employment in India, with
millions of people losing their jobs or facing reduced working hours and incomes. Here are
some of the key ways that COVID-19 has impacted employment in India:
Job losses: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a massive loss of jobs in India. According to
the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), between March and August 2020,
around 18.9 million salaried jobs were lost in India. This has primarily impacted workers in
the informal sector, including daily wage earners, migrant workers, and those in the
hospitality, tourism, and aviation industries.
Reduced working hours and incomes: Many employees who have managed to keep their
jobs have seen their working hours and incomes reduced. This is especially true for those
in the
informal sector, who may have experienced a significant drop in demand for their services
due to lockdowns and reduced economic activity.
Shift towards remote work: The pandemic has also accelerated the trend towards remote
work, with many companies in India shifting to work from home arrangements. While this
has enabled some employees to continue working, it has also led to job losses in industries
such as transport and hospitality, which have been negatively impacted by the reduced
demand for commuting and travel.
Rise in informal work: The pandemic has also led to a rise in informal work in India, with
many workers turning to self-employment or starting their own small businesses to make ends
meet. However, this has also resulted in a lack of job security and benefits for these workers.
Impact on specific sectors: The pandemic has had a significant impact on specific sectors in
India. For example, the hospitality, tourism, and aviation industries have been hit hard due to
reduced travel and lockdown measures. Similarly, the manufacturing and construction
industries have also been negatively impacted, with supply chains disrupted and construction
sites closed down due to the pandemic.

Government response: The Indian government has implemented various measures to mitigate
the impact of the pandemic on employment, including providing financial support to small
businesses and workers in the informal sector. However, the impact of these measures has
been
limited, and many workers have not been able to access the support they need.

Impact on Society

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Indian society. The pandemic has
highlighted the importance of social distancing, personal hygiene, and the need for collective
action. The pandemic has also exposed the fault lines in Indian society, such as the digital
divide, the lack of access to healthcare, and the marginalization of vulnerable communities.
The
pandemic has brought people together, and there has been a renewed sense of community
and solidarity. However, it has also led to an increase in anxiety, stress, and mental health
issues.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on India's social, economic, and
political landscape. India, like many other countries, has been grappling with the effects of
the pandemic for over a year now. The social impact of the pandemic on India has been
multifaceted and complex, affecting different segments of society in different ways.

Health Impact: The health impact of the pandemic has been immense. India has been hit hard
by the pandemic, with a surge in cases and deaths, leading to a severe strain on the healthcare
system. The pandemic has also highlighted the inadequacies of the healthcare system, with a
shortage of medical supplies, hospital beds, and healthcare workers.

Economic Impact: The pandemic has had a severe economic impact on India, with millions
of people losing their jobs, businesses shutting down, and the economy contracting. The
pandemic has led to a loss of income and livelihoods for many, with the informal sector
being hit the hardest. The government has announced several relief measures, but they have
not been
sufficient to address the scale of the problem.

Education Impact: The pandemic has had a significant impact on education in India. Schools
and universities have been closed for extended periods, leading to a disruption in the education
of
millions of students. The pandemic has also highlighted the digital divide in the country, with
many students from low-income families lacking access to devices and internet connectivity.

Gender Impact: The pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on women in India, with an
increase in gender-based violence, domestic violence, and economic insecurity. Women are
also more likely to bear the burden of care responsibilities, including caregiving for the sick
and
elderly.
Mental Health Impact: The pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of
people in India, with increased stress, anxiety, and depression. The lockdowns and social
distancing
measures have also led to social isolation, exacerbating mental health issues.

Environmental Impact: The pandemic has had a positive impact on the environment in
India, with a reduction in pollution levels due to the shutdown of industries and reduced
vehicular traffic. However, this impact may be temporary, and there are concerns that
post-pandemic, pollution levels may rebound.

Impact on Travel and Tourism

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the travel and tourism industry in
India.
The industry has been severely impacted due to travel restrictions, lockdowns, and the fear of
infection. The impact has been felt across the industry, including hotels, airlines, travel
agencies, and tour operators.

Here are some of the impacts on travel and tourism post Covid-19 in India:

Travel restrictions: The government of India has imposed strict travel restrictions to contain
the spread of the virus. Domestic and international travel has been suspended, except for
essential travel.
Reduced demand for travel: Due to the fear of infection, people are hesitant to travel, leading to
a significant reduction in demand for travel.
Closure of hotels and tourism sites: Due to the lockdowns and travel restrictions, many
hotels and tourism sites were closed, leading to a significant loss of revenue for the
industry.
Job losses: The travel and tourism industry is a significant employer in India, and the
pandemic has led to significant job losses across the sector.
Changes in travel behavior: The pandemic has led to changes in travel behavior, with
people preferring domestic travel and smaller groups.
Emphasis on safety and hygiene: The pandemic has highlighted the importance of safety and
hygiene in travel. Hotels and tourism sites are implementing strict safety protocols to ensure the
safety of their guests.
Digital transformation: The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies in
the travel and tourism industry. Travel agencies and tour operators are offering virtual tours
and online booking facilities.

The travel and tourism industry in India is slowly recovering from the impact of the
pandemic. With the vaccination drive underway and the government easing travel
restrictions, the industry is expected to bounce back in the coming months. However, the
industry needs to adapt to the changing needs of travelers and implement strict safety
protocols to ensure the safety of their guests.

Conclusion

It is difficult to predict exactly what post-COVID-19 life in India will look like, as the
situation is still evolving and there are many factors that could influence the outcome.
However, there are some potential trends and changes that could occur in India as a result of
the pandemic.
One of the most significant changes may be in the way people work. Remote work has
become more common during the pandemic, and many companies may continue to offer
work-from- home options even after the pandemic subsides. This could lead to changes in
commuting
patterns and real estate demand, as people may be less inclined to live in expensive urban
areas if they no longer need to be close to their workplace.
Another area that could see changes is healthcare. The pandemic has exposed weaknesses in
India's healthcare infrastructure, and there may be increased investment in healthcare and
medical research going forward. Telemedicine and online healthcare services may also
become more popular as people seek to avoid in-person visits to healthcare facilities.
The pandemic may also have lasting impacts on social and cultural norms in India. For
example, there may be increased awareness of hygiene and sanitation practices, and people
may be more
likely to wear masks and practice social distancing even after the pandemic subsides. There
may also be changes in the way people socialize and gather in public spaces, as people may be
more cautious about large gatherings and events.
Overall, it is likely that the pandemic will lead to significant changes in many aspects of life in
India, but the exact nature and extent of these changes will depend on a range of factors,
including public policy, technological developments, and social norms.
References
• "The Future of Work in India Post COVID-19" report by NASSCOM:
https://www.nasscom.in/knowledge-center/publications/future-work-india-post-covid-1
9

• "India Post Covid-19: An Opportunity to Build a Better Future" report by

McKinsey & Company:
https://www.mckinsey.com/india/our-insights/india-post-covid-19-an-
opportunity-to-build-a-better-future
• "The Post-COVID Consumer in India" report by EY India:
https://www.ey.com/en_in/consumer-products-retail/the-post-covid-consumer-in-india
• "How COVID-19 is Changing the Indian Economy" article by the Harvard
Business Review:
https://hbr.org/2020/06/how-covid-19-is-changing-the-indian-economy
• "COVID-19 and India's Urban Poor" article by the Brookings Institution:
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2021/03/11/covid-19-and-indias-urban-poor/
• "India's Covid-19 Crisis: What Happens Next?" article by BBC
News: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-57068433
• "How COVID-19 is Changing India's Health Infrastructure" article by The Diplomat:
https://thediplomat.com/2021/02/how-covid-19-is-changing-indias-health-infrastruct
ure/