Washim (Maharashtra):COVID-19 hit the economy very badly leading to large scale unemployment. Migration of India's labour force from urban areas to rural areas was another backlash during the crisis. India's youth who had invested a lot in higher education also faced setbacks.
The story of a skilled mechanical engineer from Washim in Maharastra, who currently earns more money from his tea shop than his white-collar job, portrays a grim picture of the country's unemployment scenario.
Sarang Rajgure, a mechanical engineer lost his job in Pune during the COVID-19 induced lockdown. In order to survive and provide for his family, the engineering graduate ventured to start a tea shop at his native village in Karanja.
Read:41 lakh youth lose jobs in India due to COVID-19: Report
His father, an Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employee did not receive his salary for three months in the wake of COVID-19. Since buses were not operating during the lockdown period, the family's financial situation further worsened.
Sarang was also attending coaching classes for competitive exams while working. After returning to his village, he planned to continue his studies for competitive exams, but that option hit a dead-end after coaching classes were suspended.
But now, Sarang is delighted with his transformation.
"Even after working tirelessly for 12 hours in Pune, I used to get only Rs 15,000 per month. While here I manage to earn over Rs 20,000 in a month, even after paying my employees," said Sarang.
Also read:COVID-19 top worry of urban Indians, followed by job loss, crime: Survey
