Abstract

The report reviews government notifications on COVID-19 protocols and child entitlements in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh (UP), Assam, and at the national level. Bihar provided food grains to students in place of mid-day meals, with door-to-door delivery for those with acute encephalitis syndrome. They also set up village-level book stalls. UP provided uniforms and shoes to students, and allowed fee payments in instalments. They also created WhatsApp groups for online learning. Assam focused on COVID-19 protocols in schools, such as 50% attendance, but lacked discussion on child entitlements like mid-day meals. The Government of India emphasized COVID-19 protocols and encouraged online education, also suggesting textbooks be made available to students before schools reopen. However, they did not prescribe how to provide for children. The review notes a lack of clarity on how students, especially those in marginalized communities, were able to access online education

Centre for Budget and Policy Studies, Bangalore. (2022.) A Review of Government Notifications on COVID Protocols and Child Entitlements