There is a bad news for restaurants, pubs and malls this year as people in metros plan to enjoy the New Year’s evening with families at home.

According to a survey by Assocham, about 35 per cent of urbanites in India plan to stay indoors due to reasons like dismal financial condition, issues relating to job security, rising inflation, traffic congestion, cold temperature, lack of safety and others.

The survey was conducted by the Social Development Foundation along with industry body Assocham which interacted with about 2,000 college going students, young corporate executives and people engaged in various professions including individuals and couples in the age group of 18-30 years in 10 cities – Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai.

Assocham Secretary-General, D.S. Rawat, said, "There seems to be lack of inspiration and motivation amid people as many are foregoing the traditional New Year celebrations of going out and partying.”

60 per cent of women cited security related apprehensions as the main reason as to why they prefer staying at home this December 31.

Financial woes owing to rising inflation was the second most popular excuse by the people followed by job security related concerns, rampant traffic jams, need for sound sleep, cold temperature and others, the survey added.

Rather they would prefer to have a low-key gathering with a few close friends, family and relatives in the comfort of their own home.

While of the remaining, about 25 per cent said they have plans to usher-in the New Year at some hill station, coastal destination and other nearby tourist hot-spots, whereas only a handful (10 per cent) said they would be travelling overseas, the survey pointed out.

>priyanka.pani@thehindu.co.in

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