Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday appealed to citizens to play their part in reviving the economy of the city while taking adequate precautions against COVID-19. He also launched a job portal intended to bridge the gap between potential employers and employees, and appealed to migrant labourers, who had left the city during the lockdown, to return.
“It is my appeal to all the 2 crore people of Delhi who have managed to control the coronavirus with their hard work, understanding and care that now we have to fix the economy of Delhi too, we have to bring it back on track,” he said.
They walked hundreds of kilometres or paid hefty sums to hitch a ride home when things came to a standstill after the Covid-19 lockdown was announced. Now, many of them are retracing their steps, having found the home comforts did not include a steady income. Buses from UP and Bihar are now disgorging a large number of migrant workers at the Kaushambi and Anand Vihar bus terminals.
House painter Bablu left Delhi with his wife and two children, vowing never to return. That resolve flailed in the face of hunger. “We left Delhi on a bicycle when we couldn’t get a bus,” Bablu said sheepishly. “It took us more than three weeks to reach Patna and felt glad we made it home.” But reality bit soon. With no money left, he had to eat his words. Back in the city, he said, “I don’t have a job right now, but I am certain something will turn up.”