Economic and Societal Transformation in Pandemic-Trapped India: Emerging Challenges and Resilient Policy Prescriptions

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
Disclaimer
Contents
About the Editors and Contributors
Abbreviations
List of Figures
List of Tables
Part I: The Global Pandemic
Chapter 1: India Gets Through the Waves of the Pandemic: Public Policies and Self-Care Interventions on Health at the Crossroa...
1.1 Introduction
1.2 The Mournful Locus from the First to the Second Wave
1.2.1 Turbulence in the Economy
1.2.2 The Reverse Migration
1.2.3 Digital Divide
1.2.4 Social Distancing or Social Crisis!
1.3 The Calm Before the Storm
1.4 The Fatal Second Wave
1.4.1 At the Doorstep of Rural India
1.5 Discourses of Neo-liberalism and Governance: Does the Changing Equations between State, Markets and Civil Society Take on ...
1.5.1 Struggling Public Healthcare System and the Poor
1.5.2 Government and Governance
1.6 Vaccination Drive: India Is a Forerunner amongst the Developing Nations
1.7 Self Imposed Prevention Measures Are Precious: Self-Care to Help Govern Better
1.8 Conclusion
References
Chapter 2: Sustainable Green Resilience and Globalization or De-Globalization in a Post-COVID World
2.1 Introduction
2.2 A Dialectical Evolution of the World Economy
2.3 Argument in Favor of Economic Globalization
2.4 Arguments Against the Economic Globalization
2.5 Sustainability and Green Economic and Social-Ecosystem Resilience
2.6 Discussion
References
Chapter 3: Income Insecurity, GDP, and the Future of Human Development: An Analysis for COVID-19 Period
3.1 Introduction
3.2 The Theoretical Background
3.2.1 General Information About the Concepts
3.2.2 Social and Economic Effects of COVID-19
3.2.3 General Information About Indian Economy Under COVID-19
3.3 The Effect of COVID-19 on Human Development Index
3.4 Discussion and Conclusion
References
Chapter 4: Impact of COVID-19 and Responses to It: A Comparative Study of SAARC Countries in Light of Global Experiences
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Literature Review
4.3 Objectives
4.4 Materials and Methods
4.5 SARS-CoV-2 Scenario Among SAARC Nations
4.5.1 Spread of COVID-19 in SAARC Region
4.5.2 Death Toll due to Coronavirus Pandemic
4.6 Response to the Pandemic, from Global Practices to Experiences of SAARC Nations
4.6.1 Preventive Measures Against COVID-19
4.6.2 Curative Measures for COVID-19
4.7 Assessing the Relative Success of SAARC Nations in Fight Against the Pandemic
4.8 Discussions
4.9 Conclusion
References
Chapter 5: The COVID-19 Pandemic and Socio-spatial Inequality: A Study from the Metropolitan Area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Pandemic Panorama in Brazil
5.3 The COVID-19 Pandemic in the Metropolitan Area of Rio de Janeiro (MARJ)
5.3.1 The Spread of COVID-19 in the Metropolitan Area of Rio de Janeiro: A Look at the Outer Regions
5.4 The City of Rio de Janeiro as the Epicenter of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Metropolitan Area and in the State of Rio de J...
5.5 Conclusion
References
Part II: Differential Shock
Chapter 6: Women in Pandemic: The Realities of the COVID-19 in the Darjeeling Himalayan Region
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Relevance of the Study
6.3 Methods
6.3.1 Study Design
6.3.2 Data Collection
6.4 Results and Discussions
6.4.1 Demographic Characteristics
6.4.2 Impact on Social Behavior
6.4.3 Impact Upon Individual´s Social and Economic Life
6.4.4 Impact on the Working Environment
6.4.5 Impact on Physical Health
6.5 Conclusion
References
Chapter 7: Exacerbated Digital Education Divide and the Marginalized: Experiences from India
7.1 Prologue to the study
7.2 Same Shock and Different Impacts: Marginalization Matters
7.3 Marginalized are the Fore Precipitates from the Costlier System: Inclusions Needing Priority
7.4 Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education: A Little Deviation may Cost Heavier for the Marginalized
7.5 Validation of the Constructs
7.5.1 Marginalization in Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India
7.5.2 The Namasudra whom we have studied
7.5.3 Expected Outcomes from Experts´ Choice
7.5.4 Recording What We Observed in the Field?
7.5.5 Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Binomial ROC Curve from Categorical Rating of Observed and Expected Outcomes
7.6 The Way Forward
Appendix
References
Chapter 8: Human Resource Management during the Pandemic Period: Emerging Challenges for the Public Sector Employees in India
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Literature Review
8.3 Objectives
8.4 Methods
8.5 Overview of Maslow´s Need Hierarchy Theory
8.6 Challenges for the Human Resource Managers
8.7 Conclusion
References
Part III: New Challenges for the Indian Economy
Chapter 9: Pandemic Outbreak and the Future of Poverty and Inequality Scenario: Indian Perspective
9.1 Introduction
9.1.1 Risk Management and Challenges of COVID-19 Pandemic
9.1.2 Poverty Scenario and Challenges of COVID-19 Pandemic
9.1.3 Effect of Pandemic on GDP of the Country
9.1.4 Effect of Pandemic on Income Distribution on the Country
9.1.5 Effect of Pandemic on Trade of the Country
9.1.5.1 Indian Economy Has Transitioned towards More Digitalization
9.1.5.2 `Work from Home´ - Evolve a New Nature of the Job
9.2 Literature Survey
9.3 Brief Descriptions of Poverty and Inequality in India during Pandemic
9.4 Results and Discussion
9.5 Conclusions
References
Chapter 10: Healthcare Expenditure and Economic Development Dynamics in India: Experiences from COVID-19 Pandemic
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Objective of the Study
10.3 Literature Review
10.4 Present Status of Health Scenario and the Trend of Healthcare Spending in India
10.5 Data and Methodology
10.6 Empirical Results and Findings
10.7 Variance Decomposition and Impulse Response Function Analysis
10.8 Conclusion
References
Chapter 11: Mapping Linkages between the Agriculture Sector, Informal Economy, and Inequality amid Pandemic
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Emerging Growth Scenario during COVID-19
11.3 Capitalism and Inequality
11.4 Employment and Unemployment
11.5 The Agriculture Sector and Inequality: Conundrum of Capitalism
11.6 Linkages between Inequality, Economic Growth, Employment, and Agriculture Sector: An Empirical Take
11.7 Conclusion
References
Chapter 12: Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Informal Labour Market in India
12.1 Introduction
12.2 The Informal Labour Market
12.3 Impact of the Pandemic on Informal Workers
12.4 Measures Adopted by the Government
12.5 Conclusion
References
Part IV: COVID-19, Governance and Policies
Chapter 13: New Pandemic in India: Emerging Challenges to Governance and Responses to Overcome
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Emerging Challenges from the New Pandemic
13.2.1 Federal Structure of India and the COVID-19 Pandemic
13.2.2 Panicked Buyers and Profiteering Sellers: Challenges to the Poor
13.2.3 Migrant Labours and the Government
13.2.4 E-Governance and the Digital Divides
13.3 Major Steps toward Maintaining a Proper Governance System
13.3.1 Emphasis on the Principle of `Self-Reliant´
13.3.2 Importance of Testing, Tracing, Isolating, and Treating
13.3.3 Strengthening Food Supply Chains
13.3.4 Strengthening the SHGs
13.3.5 Role of IT in Pandemic Management
13.3.6 Migration Commission
13.3.7 Introduction of Shrmik Special Trains for the Migrant Labours
13.3.8 Pro-Activating the Local Government Machinery
13.3.9 The Power of the Human Spirit
13.3.10 Opportunity for Indian Startup Apps
13.4 Policies at the State Level
13.4.1 Godhan Nyay Yojana
13.4.2 Sandhane App
13.4.3 WB Prochesta Scheme
13.4.4 Initiatives Taken by Govt. of Odisha
13.5 Concluding Remark
References
Chapter 14: Employment Dynamics and Labor Mobility amidst COVID-19 Pandemic in India: A Critical Appraisal of ILO Recommendati...
14.1 Introduction
14.1.1 Attributes of Migrant Labors and Employment Opportunities in India
14.2 Migration
14.3 The ILO´s Recommendations
14.4 Strategies and Plans for Inclusive Migrant Labors
14.4.1 Five Policy Visions
14.4.1.1 Focusing on Informality
14.4.1.2 Guaranteeing Access to Justice
14.4.1.3 Rearranging the Universal Social Security Arrangement
14.4.1.4 Ensuring Dignified, Safe and Healthy Living, and Working Situations
14.4.1.5 Enabling Labors Collectivization and Organizations
14.5 Inclusive Framework for Migrant Workers
14.5.1 Civil Society
14.5.2 Employment Opportunities
14.5.3 Social Protection
14.5.4 Health Services
14.5.5 Governance and Administration
14.6 Conclusion
References
Chapter 15: India´s Tryst with the Second Wave of COVID-19: Politics and Policies at the Crossroads
15.1 Tracing the Trajectory of the Second Wave of COVID-19 Outbreak in India
15.2 How Is India´s Second COVID Wave Different from the First?
15.3 Where Do We Go from Here
15.3.1 Public Spending on the Social Sector, Especially Health, Has to Increase Drastically
15.3.2 A Proactive Vaccination Policy
15.3.3 Robust Public Health Workforce
15.3.4 Grappling Efficiently with the Health Emergency
15.3.5 Taking a Cue from Kerala and Karnataka Experience
15.3.6 Planning Sensibly for the Future
15.4 Ray of Hope
15.5 Conclusion
References
Part V: Sectoral Impact and Responses
Chapter 16: Beekeeping Livelihood at Stake Amidst the Pandemic Outbreaks: A Study on the Migratory Beekeepers in West Bengal
16.1 Introduction
16.2 Objectives of the Study
16.3 Study Area
16.4 Limitations of the Study
16.5 Methodology
16.5.1 Phase I Survey
16.5.2 Phase II Survey
16.6 Results and Discussion
16.6.1 Migration Pattern of the Beekeepers during Pre-Pandemic West Bengal
16.6.2 Hive-Holding Capacity During the Pre-Pandemic Session
16.6.3 Professional Experience of the Migratory Beekeepers
16.6.4 Migratory Beekeepers and the Lockdown: Indian Scenario
16.6.5 The Plight of Migratory Beekeepers Amidst Lockdown: West Bengal at the Crossroads
16.6.5.1 Stuck at the Fields Last Attended
16.6.5.2 Shortage of Field Money
16.6.5.3 Shortage of Daily Needs
16.6.5.4 Transport Problem
16.6.5.5 Colonies Kept Without Supervision
16.6.5.6 Lack of Technical Support
16.6.5.7 Unavailability of Traders and Intermediaries
16.6.5.8 Problem of the Overstocking of Honey
16.6.5.9 Lack of Cooperation from Local People and Local Bodies
16.6.5.10 Misbehavior by Land Owners
16.6.5.11 Misbehavior by Their Neighbors
16.6.5.12 Exploitation by Intermediaries
16.6.6 How Lockdown Affects the Migratory Beekeeping in West Bengal
16.6.6.1 Destruction of Beecolonies
16.6.6.2 Shortening Migration Periods
16.6.6.3 Impact of Lockdown on the Promises of Beekeepers
16.7 Major Findings
16.8 Some Recommendations
16.9 Conclusion
References
Chapter 17: Struggle of Apiculture Sector in West Bengal, India During COVID-19 Pandemic: Analyzing the Demand and Supply Sides
17.1 Introduction
17.2 Literature Review
17.3 Objectives
17.4 Methodology
17.5 Hypothesis
17.6 Results and Discussion
17.6.1 Application of Chi-Square Test
17.6.1.1 Test I: Examining the Association Between Gender and Honey Consumption
17.6.1.2 Test II: Applying Chi-Square Test to Know the Association Between Dwelling Place and Honey Consumption
17.6.1.3 Test III: Examining the Association Between Annual Family Income and Honey Consumption
17.6.1.4 Test IV: Examining the Association Between the Total Member in a Family and Honey Consumption
17.6.1.5 Test V: Examining the Association Between the Percentage of Children in a Family and Honey Consumption
17.6.1.6 Test VI: Examining the Association Between Prior Knowledge About Benefits of Apiculture Products and Honey Consumption
17.6.2 Application of Paired T-Test
17.6.2.1 Test VII: Examining Whether There Is Any Significant Difference Between Mean Consumption of Honey Before and During t...
17.7 Findings
17.8 Ways Forward
References
Chapter 18: The Importance of Public Expenditure on Crop Production and Exports in India: An Econometric Analysis in the Pande...
18.1 Introduction
18.1.1 Role of Public Expenditure in Agriculture in Motivating Farmers to Increase Production
18.1.2 COVID-19 and Farmers´ Issues
18.1.3 New Equations in Agricultural Performance During Pandemic
18.2 Literature Survey
18.3 Research Gap and Objective of the Study
18.3.1 Research Question
18.3.2 Objectives
18.4 Hypothesis
18.5 Data
18.6 Methodologies
18.7 Results and Discussion
18.7.1 Unit Root Test
18.7.1.1 Structural Breaks
18.7.2 Cointegration Test
18.8 Conclusion
References
Chapter 19: A Study on the Impact of COVID-19 on Indian MSMEs
19.1 Introduction
19.2 Objectives of the Study
19.3 Review of Literature
19.4 Changing Pattern of Definition of MSMEs
19.4.1 Concept of Small-Scale Industries (SSIs)
19.4.2 Concept of MSMEs in India as per Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006
19.4.3 Concept of MSMEs, Effective from 1 July 2020
19.5 Major Problems Faced by the MSMEs During Pandemic Period
19.5.1 Lack of Steady Supply of Raw Materials and Spare Parts
19.5.2 Lack of Demand
19.5.3 Poor Supply of Credit
19.5.4 Stoppage of the Steady Flow of Income
19.5.5 Non-availability of Workers
19.5.6 Lack of Comprehensive Data
19.6 Remedial Measures Adopted by the Government to Combat COVID Scenario
19.6.1 Self-Reliant India
19.6.2 Measures Taken by the Ministry of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
19.6.3 Measures Taken by National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC)
19.6.4 Collateral-Free Automatic Loans
19.6.5 Reduction in Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Contribution
19.6.6 Equity Support to the MSMEs
19.7 Conclusion
References
Chapter 20: Indian Tourism Sector Under Siege of the COVID-19 Pandemic
20.1 Introduction
20.2 Literature Review
20.3 Objectives and Methods
20.4 The Direct and Indirect Effect of Tourism
20.4.1 Indian Tourism Scenario
20.4.1.1 Foreign Tourist Arrival (FTA)
20.4.1.2 Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE)
20.4.1.3 Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
20.4.1.4 Employment
20.5 COVID-19 and Indian Tourism
20.6 Opportunities and Challenges
20.7 Conclusion and Policy Recommendations
References
Chapter 21: Invasion of the Pandemic in Indian Economy and the Government: A General Equilibrium Approach
21.1 Introduction
21.2 The Model
21.2.1 Equational Structure of the Model
21.2.2 Government Intervention Regarding Investment in Industries in the Advanced Part of the Rural Sector
21.2.3 Government Intervention in Terms of Externality-Augmented Social Indicators
21.2.3.1 Macroeconomic Foundation of Externality-Augmented Efficiency Function
21.2.4 Comparative Static with Externality
21.3 Concluding Remarks
Appendix
Derivation of Useful Mathematical Expressions
References
Part VI: Silver Lining in the Cloud of Uncertainty
Chapter 22: Rural Livelihood Options During the Pandemic in India: Finding Avenues for Revival
22.1 Introduction
22.2 Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Rural Economy of India
22.3 Changing Rural Livelihood Opportunity in Post-1991 Period
22.4 India´s Policy Approach to Economic Recovery During the Global Recession
22.5 Conclusion
References
Chapter 23: COVID-19 and Lockdown: Key Constraints and Surviving Strategies for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME...
23.1 Introduction
23.2 Lockdown and MSMEs: Key Constraints
23.2.1 Access to Finance
23.2.2 Access to Market
23.2.3 Access to Technology and Environment
23.2.4 Access to Infrastructure
23.2.5 Access to People
23.3 Survival Package: Let Us Discover and Recover
23.3.1 Analyzing the Financial Statement
23.3.2 Redesigning the Existing Business Plan
23.3.3 Digital System
23.3.4 Crisis Recovery Strategy
23.4 Conclusions
References
Chapter 24: Where Classical Ends, Keynes Proceeds: Arguments Under the Perspective of Reviving India from the Impact of COVID-...
24.1 Introduction
24.2 Why Keynes Matter All-Times
24.3 India´s Recent Experiences and Effect of the Outbreak of COVID-19 on Major Macroeconomic Indicators
24.3.1 COVID-19 and Demographic Profile of India
24.3.2 Effect of COVID on Labor Market and Level of Unemployment
24.3.3 Effect of COVID-19 on Sector-wise Occupational Structure
24.4 Keynesian Prescriptions for Reviving the Economy
24.5 Conclusion
References