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by Akshay Raut and Nguyen Tien Huy 15 MIN
A better picture of the COVID-19 pandemic's profoundly detrimental effect on children's well-being in India is becoming more apparent as the country moves closer to normalcy following its three waves of the disease. Although the Union and state governments' initiatives have helped to reduce the disruptions to children's overall health and development, several issues still exist and need to be resolved. The country's formal school education system was disrupted in 2020–2021 as a result of school closures, affecting around 264.5 million pupils. A total of 108 million kids from pre-primary to higher secondary sections missed school in 2020–2021 due to non-enrollment. 2.9 million fewer kids were enrolled in the pre-primary section and 1.8 million fewer kids were enrolled in class 1 of the main section in 2020–2021 as compared to the previous year. In addition, there was a 3.55 percent drop in the overall enrollment of kids with special needs in 2020–2021. The impact was further exacerbated by the country's resulting economic inequalities, food shortages, and reverse migration, all of which further distanced children from education. In addition, a disproportionate increase in the number of girls who are not in school is anticipated due to the current socio-economic gaps in girls' educational opportunities. The pandemic's gendered effects must be addressed, and inclusive and protective measures for such vulnerable communities must be taken. Children are the unsung victims of the COVID-19 epidemic, which has affected all facets of society and has become a global health crisis. The pandemic's indirect effects on children in India have been severe, resulting in socioeconomic inequality as well as larger repercussions for children who are vulnerable and marginalized. It is necessary to further identify, monitor, and address the scope of the issues children encountered throughout the pandemic. Additionally, more studies must be done in the future to reach conclusions on the pandemic's long-term effects on children's wellbeing. To stop the profoundly detrimental impacts on children's education, health, and development across the nation and to neutralize the advancements made in the sector over decades, immediate action is required at all levels of society.
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