Barmer (Rajasthan): The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a major challenge to the education system in our country. Schools across the country have been shut since March 25 owing to the nationwide lockdown to curb the cases of the infection.
Central and State governments claim to have taken the online route, however, several students do not have regular access to such devices. From affordability to accessibility, several students across the country continue to struggle.
With more than 630 million subscribers, India is home to the world's second-largest internet user base. However, network connectivity is still an issue in several remote villages of our country.
Highlighting India's digital divide, poor connectivity and lack of smart gadgets are proving a hassle for many students in Barmer district of Rajasthan. Many parents have also complained that long exposure to mobile and television screens is causing an adverse effect on the health of their wards. Some parents and students are also against the online classes but are helpless due to the pressure from school administration.
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Students also complain that they are hardly able to understand online lectures due to network issues and are also not able to clarify their doubts.
Dalu Ram Chaudhary, a guardian, said that mobile network connectivity is a major hurdle in the smooth functioning of online classes. He further said that many families in the district do not have access to smartphones and other gadgets due to their economic condition.
Parents claimed that the students have to face a lot of difficulties during online classes as most of them lack basic knowledge on how to operate a smartphone or a gadget.
Another guardian, Kaushal Ram also resonated with Dalu ram and said that "Online classes in rural areas is simply not possible as people work very hard only to make their both ends meet. In such a condition, they cannot afford to incur additional expenses for these gadgets."
Dr RK Solanki, a psychiatrist explained the impact of the pressure of online classes on students. "If the student is not able to understand the classes, he will feel pressurised and will be unable to concentrate," he added.
Thus, with virtual education widening the gap between rural and urban education, it is time that the government should intervene to provide online education to students.
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