Tens of millions plunge into poverty in Covid-ravaged India
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Tens of millions plunge into poverty in Covid-ravaged India
Bloomberg / Updated: May 9, 2021, 19:50 IST
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Unprotected by unions and politicians, migrant laborers often miss out on handouts from governments. (Reuters Photo)
After dipping into his savings to weather India’s snap pandemic lockdown last March, Manoj Kumar was just getting his head above water again earning Rs 600 a day as a construction worker in the tourist hotspot of Goa.
He’d squirreled away enough for a trip last month to his native village in Bihar some 1,490 miles away for a wedding. He’s still there, stuck in one of the nation’s least developed states, as a fierce second Covid-19 wave triggers the world’s worst health crisis and prevents his return. On a lucky day, he’ll land some odd jobs that fetch him as much as Rs 300. But there aren’t too many of those chores left. So he’s taking loans t
NEW DELHI (BLOOMBERG) - After dipping into his savings to weather India s snap pandemic lockdown last March, Mr Manoj Kumar was just getting his head above water again, earning 600 rupees (S$10) a day as a construction worker in the tourist hot spot of Goa.
He d squirrelled away enough for a trip last month to his native village in Bihar some 2,400km away for a wedding. He s still there, stuck in one of the nation s least-developed states, as a fierce second Covid-19 wave triggers the world s worst health crisis and prevents his return.
On a lucky day, he ll land some odd jobs that fetch him as much as 300 rupees. But there aren t too many of those chores left. So he s taking loans to feed and clothe his wife and three kids.
After dipping into his savings to weather India’s snap pandemic lockdown last March, Manoj Kumar was just getting his head above water again earning 600 rupees ($8) a day as a construction worker in the tourist hotspot of Goa. He’d squirreled away enough for a trip last month to his native village in Bihar some 1,490 miles away for a wedding. He’s still there, stuck in one of the nation’s least developed states, as a fierce second Covid-19 wave triggers the world’s worst health crisis and prevents his return. On a lucky day, he’ll land some odd jobs that fetch him as much as 300 rupees. But there aren’t too many of those chores left. So he’s taking loans to feed and clothe his wife and three kids.
Tens of millions plunge into poverty in Covid-ravaged India 6 min. today at 08:05
Shrinking incomes, savings to weigh on economic recovery Shrinking incomes, savings to weigh on economic recovery People wait to refill their cylinders with medical oxygen for the Covid-19 coronavirus patients at Kalinga oxygen refilling centre in Moradabad on May 5. Photo credit: AFP
After dipping into his savings to weather Indiaâs snap pandemic lockdown last March, Manoj Kumar was just getting his head above water again earning 600 rupees ($8) a day as a construction worker in the tourist hotspot of Goa.
Heâd squirreled away enough for a trip last month to his native village in Bihar some 1,490 miles away for a wedding. Heâs still there, stuck in one of the nationâs least developed states, as a fierce second Covid-19 wave triggers the worldâs worst health crisis and prevents his return. On a lucky day, heâll land some odd jobs that fetc
updated: May 08 2021, 08:41 ist
By Anirban Nag and Swansy Afonso,
After dipping into his savings to weather India’s snap pandemic lockdown last March, Manoj Kumar was just getting his head above water again earning 600 rupees ($8) a day as a construction worker in the tourist hotspot of Goa. He’d squirreled away enough for a trip last month to his native village in Bihar some 1,490 miles away for a wedding. He’s still there, stuck in one of the nation’s least developed states, as a fierce second Covid-19 wave triggers the world’s worst health crisis and prevents his return.