नागरिक पोष्ट News

- Shyam Shah

We are staying at home to keep ourselves & others safe, some are struggling with lives, while stakeholders are trying their best to get rid of this situation. No doubt, together we will settle down thissituation in upcoming days. Have we imagine the outcomes of this pandemic and lockdown. There couldbe following outcomes (opportunities/ threats) in the coming days:

1. Economic Recession: Recession is likely to take place globally. Government, World Bank, AsianDevelopment Bank and the like have key roles to play. ADB has estimated Nepal’s economic growth rate between 1 to 2 %. At present, there is blockage in manufacturing, agriculture, processing & supply. After lockdown, Shortage of materials will be observed, especially in highly consumed products like edibles, FMCG goods, & some others. The demand and supply will create price level change. The global giants like China, America, India among others will have key roles.

2. Online Business: Online business seems to bloom in the upcoming days with more internet users, more online purchase & better options. Online transactions, Home-based shopping, online news & the like will have more remarkable presence.

3. Online Education: Another significant growth will be observed in the field of education. Before lockdown, Online courses & training were taking place. During lockdown, Online materials, relating to syllabus & exam preparation, Virtual classes through Zoom are getting importance to engage academicians & simplify the teaching-learning approach. This could be bring a paradigm shift in education. Once we have proper provisions, guidelines, and preparation, there would be remarkable changes in higher education (university degree). Tribhuwan University has been working on this plan, it will take some time for implementation. However, this may be limited in case for school education.

4. Existing Business and Migration: Right now most of business firms are in trouble. This picture reveals that few struggling firms, are likely to loose their business, while some employees their jobs, especially those working on contract basis. Organizations like Raymond, Toyota, and many others came right after World Wars. We would expect such things to happen. On the other hand, Migration is sure to affect in few parts of the world. Likewise, Hotels, Travel business, Abroad study firms, manpower consultancy are likely to be in pain for sometime. Human civilization & developments would take place in new parameters.

5. New Business: We will probably have some new entrepreneurs coming with new start-ups, new ideas, new products. To name few could be recycle business, organic products, home-made products, etc. Many business that exist today has evolved after similar panic situation and World Wars.

6. Ecological Changes: From ecology point of view, this would be a good time for nature. There is nominal pollution, less harm to global warming & ozone layer on earth’s surface. This year weather conditions would be better one. We can see the clean view of mountains alround thetown.

7. Health Issues: Government need to allocate sufficient budget & effective programmes to health sector. Well-equipped hospitals, epidemic laboratories, research centres, have to be prioritized. For organizations, health insurance, medical facilities, proper sanitation facilities will be matter of concern. Psychological counsellors, meditation & yoga trainers will have more task to perform. Physical fitness, good eating habits & proper daily routine are most important for all. This is the basics to strengthen our immune system.

8. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Organization will have to spend more amount on social welfare programmes to support the victims & survivors with food, shelter, medicines. Not only human, we have to also think about animals & birds that are in danger. The victims could face more problem at the time of monsoon, which is about to come.

To sum up, above are the assumptions, may be right, may be wrong, but all we can do is to face every situation. In this pandemic situation, we have realize nothing is more important than our lives as well as others..

Our needs are limited- food, shelter, clothing & most important good health. Stakeholders are working to get rid of going-on critical conditions. Once the situation settles down, It is our duty to support those, who are in crisis. Till then Stay at Home, Stay Safe, Maintain Hygiene and Think Positive.  Hope everything gets fine this year.