Ground-Level COVID-19 Pandemic Impact Report: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Students in Pune, India

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges for Indians from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Students faced academic setbacks in online schooling due to a lack of technology and equipped teachers. India reported an economic crisis, as many underprivileged individuals faced unemployment and homelessness. Government schemes were unsuccessful due to mass corruption, resulting in inadequate healthcare and resources. Previous research was limited to second-hand experiences and privileged samples. The present study reports the pandemic experience of 228 underprivileged students and their families from rural communities in Pune. A 73-question cross-sectional telephonic survey was administered by the Jazz hands foundation, divided into 4 aspects of privilege: Information, Technology, Health, and Economy. The sample was relatively immune to misinformation due to their significant dependence upon conventional media. Most students reported difficulty during online school, due to a decline in teacher and school initiative. They outlined a lack of conducive learning environments. Some were forced to drop out of school, with many female students pushed into household chores. Many families saw a decline in income and migrated back to their villages, resulting in restricted diets and increased expenses to manage their livelihood. Basic resources were usually accessible, but students lost access to the mid-day meal scheme. National relief could not reach most of the sample, and they sought help from local organizations. This study highlights the need for intersectional policies and interventions to ensure equitable access to information, technology, and resources. Further research can be conducted using bigger and more diverse samples.