Following the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Development Solutions in partnership with IDS Jaipur undertook a study in four districts of Rajasthan – Dausa, Karauli, Tonk and Udaipur to understand perceptions of girls and their parents, from marginalized communities, on girl’s education and the impact of COVID-19 on education and access to the pre-matric scholarships.

     Objectives: The objectives of the study were as follows: 

• Understand the impact of Covid-19 on the lives of girls, with a focus on understanding the contexts and narratives on girl’s education, owing to Covid-19. 
• Understand access (to), demand (for), and stakeholder perspectives on the pre-matric scholarship scheme.
• Understand stakeholder expectations from the Government – in enabling opportunities for continued education for girls, more so in the context of Covid-19. 

Approach and methodology: A Mixed-method study design was used in the survey. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected. The survey focused on girls in the age group 13-16 years and their parents. The qualitative data was collected through FGDs and IDIs with girls, parents, panchayat members, AWWs and teachers.

Results: Through findings of the study, various suggestions were recommended to the Government of Rajasthan, some namely: 

• Immediate strengthening of the delivery of incentives and schemes.
• Monitoring and engagement to enable reenrollment and retention in schools.
• Interventions to overcome learning loss and time lost. 
• Stronger implementation of child protection systems and redressal of abuse to check the rollback of the State’s gain in girls’ education.