"PSYCHO-BEHAVIOURAL ANALYSIS OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY: EVALUATING PUBLIC POLICY IMPACT DURING LOCKDOWN"

Abstract

Purpose –The study's purpose is to understand the engagement activities of Indian citizens during the lockdown during the scary COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach—a quantitative study is carried out with 401 samples surveyed across different cities of India to understand their routine life, engagement in various activities, and obedience to government rules laid during the home quarantine. The collected data are analysed using SPSS 25.0.

Findings—the study revealed that citizens abided by the rules vowed by government bodies to contain the virus. Businessmen and working-class people followed the rules extensively.

Research limitations – The current study was conducted during the lockdown period; hence, the survey was conducted through a digital platform, and no personal touch was established to complete the questionnaire.

Practical implications—The study can be used to understand the mental map of citizens during a pandemic and isolating situations; further detailed study can provide stress busters to keep citizens calm and peaceful.

Originality/value—No sure-shot oral medicine has been discovered for coronavirus. Furthermore, the vaccine has a limited success ratio, and people are still being affected by the virus. In this situation, going isolated for two weeks is crucial. Spending two weeks in isolation can lead to other mental problems, and the current paper will help to understand what activities can calm the stress of the common public.