advertisement
The coronavirus pandemic has affected the global economy to a scale that recovery will take a considerable amount of time. The Indian economic infrastructure has also not been spared by the malady, even as the deadline for the second nationwide lockdown draws to a close.
In an exclusive interview with ET Now, Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy shared his thoughts and anecdotes on how the Indian government should go about planning the recovery of the economy.
Among other things he also said that Indians would have to adapt and learn to live with the virus for the next 12-18 months. To add to this, he said that companies will have to take precautions and the Indian workforce would have to put in extra work hours if they are to help the economy recover.
Murthy emphasised on the use of data to formulate policies and precautions and said that he would consider opening segments of the economy based on data.
He also added the importance of using mathematics, statistics, running simulations, and conducting scenario analysis.
Based on the result and the present scenario he recommended the government adopt strategies to ensure that companies start operations by operating in multiple shifts so there aren’t many people in the building at the same time.
The company could also offer protection to the employees by proving them with personal protection equipment like gowns, gloves, masks, and goggles – with a watch on how much they will cost.
Murthy talked about both the positives and negatives of the lockdown and how it has impacted the economy. He also highlighted the need to ramp up testing facilities in India.
Here are some of the positives and negatives he talked about:
NMN Murthy emphasised about how Indians will have to put in extra work hours in order to help the economy recover.
The 10-hour daily shift idea didn’t go well with a lot of people on Twitter who said that they were already working 10-hours a day amid the work from home phase.
When asked about the work from home culture that is presently in effect, Murthy said that there needs to be productivity standards that need to be put in place as work from home will become a norm in the days to come.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)