From the beginning of 2020, many countries imposed a lockdown in wake of the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. India also imposed a lockdown at the end of March while cases of Covid-19 started increasing. Sudden lockdown has an impact on lifestyle and the major part of everyone’s life that is a ‘Job’ and for a society, it’s ‘Employment’. In India which is the 2nd largest populated country, the sudden and unexpected lockdown turned out to be one of the toughest decisions in terms of employment. At the same time, while some sectors were drowning in the waters of loss, some saw a surge or either presented an option to those who lost their livelihood due to lay-offs. Some of these were rarely considered for daily use but pandemics made them a necessity. For example, products related to sanitation and cleanliness. The market of such products was at its highest demand the government had to come up with guidelines for these as well. Here is the list of these ‘Friend Indeed’ businesses/Professions:
Sanitizers: These products have been something that was occasionally required earlier. We would rarely see people using hand sanitizers and But pandemic allowed this sector to grow like never before. The demand for Sanitizers had risen to peak and even it attracted black marketing. Situations had become worse that, the government had come out with guidelines and even controls the prices of sanitizers.
Masks: Masks were either meant for doctors or the public while pollution would go up. During pandemic and uncertainties over symptoms and cure, masks become important to everyone. Even governments around the world made it mandatory for citizens to wear a mask while they go out. The demand and necessity took people on the ride to make it a style statement and this new need lead people to start making masks at home and sell them at reasonable prices. You might have come across someone known to you, advertising their handmade masks on social media stories. Not just this but India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also presents a style statement by wearing matching masks to her dresses.
Hydroxychloroquine: Of course! The medicine that helps in fighting a fever. Even though the nearby clinics faced loss due to lockdown and rumors, the market of Hydroxychloroquine saw a sudden surge in demand when American President Donald Trump, termed it as a helpful medicine for Covid-19 patients. He even ordered a great amount of medicine from India.
Grocery: The most essential things! During the initial days of lockdown, people could not come out and there was no ban on selling/purchasing essential goods and at the same time, supermarkets and shopping malls were closed. So, including the existing fruits/vegetable sellers, the laborers, and other workers who had recently lost their jobs, tried their hands in the field. Well, do you remember the background sound of vegetable sellers during your online meetings and classes?
Online Education: While everything was closed, so was the situation with education as schools/Colleges were also shut. Now, during the hardships and struggles of students to understand topics, many online education apps turned out to present great options to the students and at the same time being helpful for students in terms of education and teachers in terms of employment, the online education sector has grown rapidly.
Internet Connection: While everything went online, how is it possible to be in the online meeting/class without a high-speed internet connection? That need gave great business to telecom companies and Wi-Fi operators.
