New Delhi: The Corona crisis followed by a nationwide lockdown for more than a month now has brought regular normal activities from almost every sector to a standstill, with education being one of the most vital of them. Educationists and civil societies have expressed concern that the crisis may lead to an increase in the dropout rate of school children, child labour and child trafficking.
More than 100 dignitaries including educationists, social activists, the teachers' unions, CSOs and various networks led by Right to Education Forum, submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the government to take the appropriate steps to safeguard children's rights to survival, protection, education and development during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.
The memorandum mentioned "extraordinary circumstances demand extraordinary measures, and every measure should be in accordance with the values and provisions of the Constitution of India. These measures must have a humane approach and provide a level playing field for all".
The memorandum to PM divided into 3 segments urges government to safeguard food security of India's children by ensuring smooth implementation of home delivery of mid-day meals. The further recommendations include free and rapid testing for Covid-19 in government as well as private hospitals across the country for everyone.
The 2nd segment of the memorandum includes recommendations to ensure children are protected from the risk of violence and abuse during the lockdown period and suggests measures for the same.
The third section discussed the right to education of children and put forward suggestions to ensure no child is denied of their fundamental right to education.
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"If there is too much focus on online modes of teaching, then the majority of children especially from marginalised section will be deprived of their right to education," said Ambrish Rai, National Convener RTE Forum.
"Keeping in mind the existing digital divide, we suggest the use of offline modes to reach children by maintaining physical distance" he added.
The memorandum also suggested that the government should distribute educational materials along with the relief and dry food packages.
The signatories highlighted that once the situation is normalised, all enrolled students must be tracked, especially girls to ensure no one drops out and schools should be regularly and thoroughly sanitised and equipped with safe drinking water and adequate hygiene facilities. The Forum, through its memorandum also urged the government to increase investment in public health and public education system to strengthen the system.
