ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed children from marginalised communities in India into a more vulnerable condition. Though children from different sections experience it in different ways, the problems encountered by girl children in rural areas are a serious matter of concern. Still, in many parts of the country, a male child is preferred to a girl child, and such practices have pushed girl children into a more vulnerable condition during this pandemic. As a result, the girl children are deprived of education, health, and protection from exploitation within their own families and community. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought down a critical situation for girl children in various aspects. This study attempts to explore the nature of issues and challenges witnessed by girl children from marginalised communities in West Bengal whose family income depends mainly on the home-based beedi-making industry. The study follows the qualitative approach to exploring the issues faced by girls during the COVID-19 pandemic.
