No money for mobile phones, internet connection: Remote villages deprived of online classes

Online classes are being conducted by educational institutions for students. Families in the villages, however, do not have the capacity to afford mobile phones and internet connection for online classes. Jangalmahal students are being deprived of online classes due to financial problems.

The number of COVID-19 patients in the state is increasing day by day. Along with these, the death toll has also increased. Schools and colleges are closed due to the pandemic. Education institutes have started to conduct online classes for their students. But there remains one question. Can everybody afford online classes?

Most of the families in the villages do not have the capacity to afford online classes for their children. One such example was found in the remote villages of the Ayodhya Hills in Purulia where parents are worried about their children's education. Though few people in the village have bought mobile phones for online classes, there is no scope for getting an internet connection.

Jaba Shikari, Janaki Shikari, residents of Ayodhya hills said, “I want to educate my children but where will I get the money to buy a mobile phone and internet connection for online classes? I want my children to take part in online classes.”

In the village, few people have tried to buy a mobile phone, but the students are not able to take online classes due to poor internet service.

Bagmundi MLA Nepal Mahato said, "Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, opening a school means danger. In this situation, there is no alternative but to take online classes."

District school inspector Piyushkanti Bera said, “Officially, the guidelines for online classes have not come yet, but for Class 9 and 10 students, they can take help and guidance by calling Bengal Education Centre. A question and answer session has been arranged by the Centre to help the students. Activity tasks are also being taken from students.”