'State's economy will bounce back soon'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 30 2020:
Even though all economic activities were brought to a grinding halt since the whole country was put under complete lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19, many economists are of the view that the State's economy will recover soon after the lockdown is lifted.
Prof Amar Yumnam of Economics Department, Manipur University said that the State's economy would bounce back not long after the lockdown is lifted.
Pointing out that the State's economy is largely based on agriculture and nature, not on manufacturing industries, Prof Amar Yumnam claimed that it would not take much for the State's economy to recover fully.
Although the lockdown has affected many sectors, people are quite enthusiastic to resume work.
Many have already resumed different kinds of economic activities with new ideas, Prof Amar said It appears that people have adopted a more secular outlook rather than confining their activities within the community, he said.
Production of hand sanitisers, face masks and sanitary items for women within the State is a positive development, he added.
Prof Ch Priyoranjan of the same department and university too echoed Prof Amar Yumnam's opinion.
However, Prof Priyoranjan who is also a member of the COVID-19 State Consultative Committee asserted that necessary fertilizers and irrigation facilities should be made available to farmers.
Noting that lockdown affects the valley area more than the State's hill areas, Prof Priyoranjan said that people may suffer silently for two/three months but there would be a serious crisis if the lockdown is extended beyond three months.
Daily wage earners, carpenters, construction workers etc have been severely affected by the lockdown, he said.
The Government should ensure that all the requirements of MSME, handloom and handicraft sectors are available, Prof Priyoranjan said.
Notably, all Government departments have been formulating exit plans which should be followed after the lockdown is lifted.
On the other hand, driven by an apprehension for shortage of rice in the State this year, the Government has already initiated necessary measures for double cropping of paddy in areas where it is feasible.