New Delhi: 82 percent Indians want the lockdown to be continued beyond 14th April and a mind-boggling 86% would like the PM to introduce a weekly morale-boosting activity, similar to clapping and lighting of diyas/ candles, for displaying solidarity and oneness with one and all.
These responses were part of the “Public ki Rai” poll conducted by Public app, India’s largest location-based social media app in association with global market research firm Ipsos. Over 2 lakh Indians participated in this poll conducted across Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Said Azhar Iqubal, co-founder and CEO, In shorts and Public on the findings “The lockdown has been difficult for everybody, but the poll findings clearly show that Indians really understand the importance of maintaining social distancing and are ready to support authorities going forward too. We will continue bringing to fore opinions of our 25 million-plus app users, on important matters, so that the pulse of the nation reaches everyone.”
“There is strong support for extending the lockdown until the crisis is over. After applauding the frontline warriors of COVID-19 and lighting the candles in solidarity with everyone in self-isolation, people expect more such activities, on a weekly basis. it is a good way of building solidarity and the feeling of togetherness,” says Amit Adarkar, CEO, Ipsos India.
Overall, the poll results show, around 56 percent of people want the lockdown extended till 30th April; 21 percent till 15th May and 23 percent would like the lockdown enforced till 30th May. Interestingly, 14 percent did not support the further extension of the lockdown; while about 3% had no opinion.
Amid Coronavirus, a Public app has been providing verified and real-time local updates to users and allowing them to record and share the happenings in their vicinity. The App is also being used by local politicians and government officials to share valuable updates around COVID 19 in their locality and help debunk rumors and fake news to prevent misinformation and panic in the community.
