THE country is currently dealing with not only the COVID-19 pandemic, but also a lot of collateral damage caused by the virus that is now threatening to go out of control. The worldwide economic slowdown is now threatening the livelihood of millions across the globe, including people in India.
For most companies, the second quarter of this year has been wiped out. They are not only dealing with loss of revenue due to the lockdown, but also the impact of all the major economies slowing down. This is impacting bottomlines, translating into lower production, workforce layoffs, lower profits, and thereby lower taxes. With production down to zero, employees locked down in their homes and no sales, most micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are looking with concern at the biggest fixed cost in such an environment—the workforce.
The government’s relief package of Rs 1.70 lakh crore was an urgent response for the survival of millions, but not a solution to sustain the economy or ensure a quick bounce back after the COVID-19 crisis is over. The ministry of home affairs has made it mandatory for employers to pay salaries during the lockdown period, regardless of whether an employee is required to stay in quarantine or comply with a stay-at-home notice. The MHA has also directed that all employers—in industry, shops and commercial establishments—shall pay wages on due date, without any deduction, for the period their establishments are under closure during the lockdown. This prohibits any deduction or delay in payment of salaries to any employee on account of working from home or leave due to lockdown. The government has invoked the Disaster Management Act, under which this is now a binding law, irrespective of what other laws may say. Any violation of the order would invite punishment, including imprisonment and/or a fine.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Layers Of Lear
Director Rajat Kapoor and actor Vinay Pathak's ode to Shakespeare is an experience to behold
Loss and Longing
Memories can be painful, but they also make life more meaningful
Suprabhatham Sub Judice
M.S. Subbulakshmi decided the fate of her memorials a long time ago
Fortress of Desire
A performance titled 'A Streetcart Named Desire', featuring Indian and international artists and performers, explored different desires through an unusual act on a full moon night at the Gwalior Fort
Of Hope and Hopelessness
The body appears as light in Payal Kapadia's film
Ruptured Lives
A visit to Bangladesh in 2010 shaped the author's novel, a sensitively sketched tale of migrants' struggles
The Big Book
The Big Book of Odia Literature is a groundbreaking work that provides readers with a comprehensive introduction to the rich and varied literary traditions of Odisha
How to Refuse the Generous Thief
The poet uses all the available arsenal in English to write the most anti-colonial poetry
The Freedom Compartment
#traindiaries is a photo journal shot in the ladies coaches of Mumbai locals. It explores how women engage and familiarise themselves with spaces by building relationships with complete strangers
Love, Up in the Clouds
Manikbabur Megh is an unusual love story about a man falling for a cloud. Amborish Roychoudhury discusses the process of Manikbabu's creation with actor Chandan Sen and director Abhinandan Banerjee
