ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 global pandemic and its associated containment measures have taken a heavy toll on economies and societies worldwide. In India, the national lockdown, imposed on 24 March and subsequently extended three times to 31 May, has had a profound effect on employment and earnings. Hunger deaths and suicides linked to economic stress are being reported from various parts of the country. The few informal workers who were still employed during the lockdown saw their earnings drop by more than half. Almost eight in ten are eating less food than before. The impact of job losses and food insecurity has been higher for certain groups of people: Muslims, Dalits, women, and those with lower levels of education.
