EMPLOYMENT VAQUISHED DURING COVID-19

The distressed scenario of India’s migrant workers has haunted the country. Suffering and hardships
have come hand in hand along with the coronavirus. In the midst of this heart-wrenching situation,
Virendar Singh, a migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh, currently residing Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, lost his
only source of earning. “ I migrated to Shimla in the hope of finding better employment
opportunities. I was working here in the hotel management sector until the pandemic hit and I lost
my livelihood.”
Virender’s life had taken a turn for the worse when Covid-19 compelled the nation to enter into a
lockdown. Although, the pandemic has brought various impediments for all, the marginalised
communities have been severely impacted. There has been a sharp decline in employment
opportunities, with families facing acute cash crunch.
Upon losing his job, Varender had no means of maintaining his sustenance. He decided to go back
home. However, owing to the nation- wide lockdown, there were no inter-state public transport
facilities available. Hiring a taxi proved to be too expensive and thus, he had no choice but to stay in
Shimla.
Uncertain about his future prospects, Virender does not know when will he be able to resume work.
“Hotels have been shut and I believe we will be not be catering to tourists anytime soon as the curb
has been imposed on inessential travelling.”
CASA’s COVID-19 response assisted Varender during this dire situation by recognising his frantic
state. We supported him by linking him with the Municipal Corporation of Shimla for employment
opportunities, where he voluntarily took up various responsibilities in exchange for dry ration and a
monetary amount of 1000 rupees ( given through bank transfer).
“I am grateful for all the support I have received from CASA. In these challenging times, a lending
hand can make a huge difference.”
There are many migrant workers, stranded in towns far from home, who neither have the means to
go back to their native states nor do they have any way of securing their daily bread. CASA shall
continue to provide aid and support to such marginalised communities, who have been adversely
affected due to Covid-19.