Author: Rajib Jana & Dr. Ashok Kumar Srivastava
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/03120016
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic created a major global economic crisis, with its impact being felt most severely in rural areas. Since rural economies largely depend on agriculture and informal labor, lockdowns, mobility restrictions, and disruptions in supply chains caused serious difficulties for rural labor markets. As a result, many people lost their jobs, income insecurity increased, and noticeable changes occurred across different sectors of employment.
This research paper analyzes changes in rural employment using secondary data sources and selected case studies from various regions. It examines labor participation rates, changes in wages, migration patterns, and access to social protection schemes. Special emphasis has been placed on the return migration of workers from urban to rural areas, increased pressure on agricultural employment, and the vulnerable condition of informal workers.
The findings indicate that the pandemic led to immediate employment crises in rural areas, along with longterm structural changes in the rural economy. The study also evaluates various policy measures adopted by the government to restore employment and protect rural livelihoods. Overall, this paper highlights the need for inclusive and sustainable employment policies to strengthen the rural economy and enhance its resilience in order to better cope with future crises.
Keywords: Covid-19 Pandemic, Un- Employment, Rural Affections, Sustainable Employment.
Page No: 145-154