From November 2020-January 2021, the Accountability Initiative at the Centre for Policy Research carried out a research study in two districts each of Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. The study aimed to capture the experiences of Frontline Workers (FLWs) and their new challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. They form the backbone of India's public healthcare system in rural India.

In this podcast episode, two researchers involved in the study - Sanaya Sinha and Udit Ranjan - unpack the study's 'Means, Motives and Opportunity' framework, and shed light on the major findings. They are senior research associates at the Accountability Initiative.

This episode is hosted by Avantika Shrivastava, a Senior Communications Officer at the Accountability Initiative.

The study comes at an important moment as India faces a 'second wave'. FLWs comprising ASHA, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife, and Anganwadi Worker roles, will be vital to the administrative response mounted in rural India.