Abstract

The policy brief explores the impact of the pandemic on households in Uttar Pradesh (UP), with a focus on the economic distress and support measures provided. The brief is based on a survey of 944 households in rural and peri-urban areas across 11 districts.

Key findings include: 

1. Vulnerability: Uttar Pradesh was found to be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of the pandemic, especially among poor and marginalised populations. The survey sample included a large proportion of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) families (nearly half), 30% Other Backward Class (OBC), and 15% Muslims.
   
2. Employment: The majority of men surveyed (68%) were employed in low-skilled labour, with a little less than one-fifth working as farmers on their own land. Only 28% of adult respondents were women and 69% of these women were not engaged in any occupation outside the household, mostly being involved in domestic work.
   
3. Ration and Food Access: About 68% of households received additional ration, but less than one-fifth reported receiving meals from Anganwadi centres. This indicates that while most families received basic food provisions, supplementary support like meals from Anganwadi centres was limited.
   
4. Cash Transfers: Only one-fourth of the respondents received cash transfers in their Jan-Dhan accounts, and a meagre 9% under the existing Ujjwala Yojana. This suggests a significant gap in the reach of cash transfer schemes in UP.
   
5. Health Information: About 85% of families received uncooked food or ration, but only 9% received any information related to health or COVID-19. This indicates a lack of awareness about health practices in the region.

In summary, the policy brief highlights that while a majority of households in Uttar Pradesh received additional rations, there were considerable gaps in other forms of support, such as cash transfers, and in health information. The brief indicates that Anganwadi services were limited in their reach.

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