One minute read. Written by Lavanya Rathi, a grade 12 student.

On March 24, 2020, the government announced a three-week nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of Coronavirus in the country. The lockdown has had a direct impact on those who depend on daily wages to maintain their livelihood.

With the rail and bus services being shut, migrant workers are left stranded without any idea of how to deal with this helpless situation. For those who are stuck in cities and unable to return home, there is a risk to their livelihood as security of food, shelter and health services are unstable; humanitarian assistance (should it come) is their only hope.

Police brutality is also a pressing concern. Police in Maharashtra allegedly beat homeless people to evict them from streets. Due to the state borders being closed, truck and bus drivers are stuck without any food and support, while having the additional responsibility of manning their goods. This is a trying time for the whole country but these labourers and migrant workers who have no source of income and are walking their way home are truly the bravest of us all.

What has the government done to aid the working class?

On March 26,2020 the central government announced a relief package of 1.7 trillion rupees (US$22.5 billion) to provide free food and cash transfers to the poor and vulnerable populations, and health insurance for healthcare workers, among other things.

Spice Jet, a leading airline, has also offered its services to alleviate the suffering of migrant workers by flying some flights between Delhi, Mumbai and Patna.

The whole country is going through a major crisis but let’s not forget those that are less fortunate than us and be grateful for what we have.