Socio-Economic Profile, Challenges, and Emergency Assistance during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Case Study on Household Industry Workers in Murshidabad District, India

COVID-19 lockdown causes severe socio-economic vulnerability among the household industry workers (HIWs) in India. In this study, the socio-economic profile, challenges, and emergency assistance received by these workers during the COVID-19 lockdown were described. A field survey was conducted among HIWs in Murshidabad District, India, from June to July 2020. One hundred fifty respondents were surveyed to accomplish the study objectives. The present study found that most HIWs were in the age group of 25-29 years, female, married, Muslim, and bidi industry workers. Majority of HIWs were in the general class and finished only primary education. Financial crisis, food scarcity, and job loss were the common challenges faced by the HIWs during the pandemic. Majority lost their jobs and faced a high level of financial crisis. Responding to the effects of the pandemic, the government provided emergency assistance such as PM Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and CM free Ration Relief Yojana. However, a small number of HIWs received government aid. The findings of the study suggested that there is a need to introduce a policy related to employment and food security, as well as public and private emergency assistance to HIWs