Abstract

The policy brief examines the impact of the pandemic on households in Bihar, with a focus on economic distress and support measures. It is based on a survey of 590 households across six districts in Bihar.

Key findings include:
1. Food and Ration Access: A significant majority of families (92%) reported receiving uncooked food or ration, masks, and soaps from the government. However, only one-fifth of respondents said that meal distribution was happening at Anganwadi centres. This suggests that while the basic provisions were widely distributed, supplementary support such as cooked meals was not as accessible.
2. Cash Transfers: Around 57% of families reported receiving some form of cash transfer, but the reach of specific schemes varied. Only 26% reported receiving cash through the Jan-Dhan Yojana and about 17% through the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana. A smaller percentage reported receiving cash from the Ujjwala Yojana (9%) and other existing sources (11%). This suggests that a significant proportion of the population may have been excluded from these schemes, or that awareness and access were limited.
3. Education: There was a significant disruption to education, with 41% of children (both girls and boys) being uncertain about returning to school. This uncertainty was exacerbated by the fact that government schools in Bihar had stopped functioning even before the pandemic due to a teachers’ strike. Only 57% of children said they were hopeful about returning to school. There is also a concern that girls have been disproportionately affected, as they have been largely engaged in chores and care work, and excluded from alternative modes of education.
4. Recommendations: The brief recommends that the government should develop diverse and low-cost distance learning materials, using radio, TV, SMS, printed material and peer-to-peer learning. The brief also recommends a strong child protection safety net to safeguard girls from child marriage, child labour, and abuse. It is also suggested that women’s groups should be enlisted to help with education initiatives.

In summary, the policy brief shows that while most families in Bihar received basic food and hygiene supplies, access to cash transfers and education were less consistently available. The brief highlights the urgent need for interventions to support continued learning and to protect children, especially girls, from the negative impacts of the pandemic.

Ghatak, N., Yareseeme, A. S., Jha, J. (2022) Gendered impact of COVID -19 on education of school-aged children in Bihar.