And many of those who had returned to industrial centres are heading back to their villages once again, worrying labour-intensive industries. According to industry observers, a surge in covid cases may lead to severe cost pressures for companies looking to retain or recruit workers. Naveen Pandey, the proprietor of Maharashtra Labour Services, a manpower provider to companies, said contractors like him are finding it hard to fulfil commitments made to clients. “With many workers finding job opportunities locally and at a decent per-hour-pay, they have stayed on in their hometowns since they left Mumbai last March," Pandey said. Last March, an estimated 30 million migrant workers left India’s cities and industrial centres for their homes during the nationwide lockdown.

Source: Mint March 22, 2021 18:17 UTC