In Tamil Nadu villages, children climb trees to access online education

Internet penetration is still a major challenge in several villages of the country, which is at odds with the government's Digital India initiative.

Salem (Tamil Nadu): In two separate villages in Tamil Nadu, every morning, students walk for a good distance and then climb trees with mobile phones in their pockets. The reason is simple - they do not wish to miss their online classes as internet penetration is still a challenge here, which is at odds with the government's Digital India initiative.

As uncertainty looms large over the probable third wave of Covid-19, the Tamil Nadu government has decided to take a call on the re-opening of schools only after thorough discussions with experts and consultations with parents. In all likelihood, schools will remain shut for another few months. Hence, children from Perapancholai and Periya Gombai villages in Namakkal district will be compelled to take to the trees to access online lessons at a time when the state is bracing up for the monsoon season.

Villagers have been demanding the district administration to set up a cell phone tower in the area so that students could enjoy hassle-free and uninterrupted studies while they also remain risk-free. However, no concrete action has been taken in this regard as yet. District Collector Shreya Singh said she has asked for a cell phone tower in the area and if her efforts do not succeed, the range of the neighbouring tower will be extended to benefit the two villages.

Recently, a college student from Chervalaru Gani residential area had walked 16 km to connect with a mobile network to take his online exam.