CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK: PHOTOCOPY CENTERS NEAR THE CAMPUSES MARKED A SUDDEN DECLINE
Due to the pandemic conditions, almost all the photocopy shops near the colleges and schools have turned into empty shops. Many rental shops are also locked for the past four months.
The realization that exams are in the next two days is sure to send a chill down the crest. The college-life blues fade, only to be renovated by the guilt of the time wasted at endless fresher parties, hangouts, and cultural societies.
But then it isn’t too late, for your convenient photocopy shops are here to the rescue. These stores offer lessons, evaluated assignments, and question banks needed to endure the dreaded examinations. But the backbone of every DU student is now facing a great challenge.
With a sharp business of as counted as 1,500 to 2,000 photocopies per day during the peak moments, the photocopier shops are the significant lifeline of every Delhi University (DU) student. These stores in DU’s North Campus are, however, endeavoring hard now as they missed out on the exam season of March-April and the admission process is also running online, keeping in mind the pandemic conditions.
Vishal from a photocopy shop at Patel Chest tells, Even two customers a day come by chance. Most of our practice was for Miranda House and Hindu College, but now that every necessary project is done on online mode, we aren’t receiving any new orders. He also shares, We aren’t permitting anybody inside the shop and have arranged some strategies for social distancing. But that can only be executed if we get sufficient customers.
IITS LOOKING AT AN ONLINE SEMESTER IN TIME OF COVID
Unable to pay rent, many have terminated their business. Dhaneshwar of Dhanesh Printographics says that six to seven shops have been closed down. We had also rented another shop but had to lock it as we were unable to pay the rent. With a loss of Rs 1,500-2,000 on a daily rationale, we aren’t even able to pay our electricity bills. On ordinary days, we got over 100 customers in a day, but now hardly 10 customers visit the whole street. Everyone prefers virtual processes now.”
With university and colleges shut, the future seems grim. During the admission or examination duration, we had many pupils coming in for photocopies and getting printouts of remarks and forms. Losses will only be repaid if we get out of this pandemic alive,” says Gaurav Kumar of Rameshwari Photocopy shop.
Earlier in 2016, when the demonetization happened, the photocopy business has faced failures as most students do not have change. The first few days were the hardest, with heavy losses, but after they have gone for e-wallets the things were better, says Hari Singh, a shop owner.
