Asia experts urge better post-Covid labour deal

26 Aug 2021

Asia experts urge better post-Covid labour deal

26 Aug 2021

Politicians in South Asia should act swiftly to better protect labour rights during the Covid-19 pandemic, Edinburgh research suggests. The contrasting fortunes of workers in parts of India with those in Sri Lanka highlight the urgent need for fairer legislation, social and political scientists say. Pro-welfare policies introduced by federal politicians in Kerala and Delhi – to counter central Government’s erosion of workers’ rights – are vital and timely interventions, experts claim. The approach differs sharply from Sri Lanka, where the dynamic between the government and the private sector needs greater scrutiny to guard rights and healthcare, researchers say. A study by the University’s School of Social and Political Science – and collaborators in Sweden, India, and Sri Lanka – found that India’s centralised Covid response has undermined labour rights. Particularly hit are migrant and casual workers – a process that had been ongoing since the shift to a more market-based economy. Strong need Lead researcher Professor Wilfried Swenden said: “India’s initial Covid response was marked by a significant centralisation of powers to deal with the pandemic – but subsequent events demonstrate a strong need for cooperation between the centre and the states.” Edinburgh experts also concluded that the militarised approach Sri Lanka has taken to Covid-19 – although initially successful – has led to a loss of control of the pandemic. The strategy sidelined health professionals, failed to protect the health of workers and oversaw a vaccination programme that was too late and too slow, researchers say. A study by the University's Centre for South Asian Studies found that political failings have had a significant impact – particularly on blue-collar casual staff working in the private sector. Disturbing trend Lead author Professor Kanchana Ruwanpura said Sri Lanka’s descent from being a front-runner in Covid management to a country with rapidly rising cases and deaths is disturbing. Professor Ruwanpura said: “Global vaccine inequality is exacerbating local dynamics. Not only are workers’ lives and communities in peril – so too is an economy already on the brink.” The two studies are part of a wider research project called “Covid-19 and the South Asian State: A Cross-National and Cross-Regional Comparison”. The Edinburgh-led project also involves University of Gothenburg; San Pedro Institute, Jaffna, Sri Lanka; Jawaharlal Nehru University, India; and the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad. It is funded by the British Academy. (University of Edinburgh)

Kapruka

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!

Asia experts urge better post-Covid labour deal

Asia experts urge better post-Covid labour deal

More News..