This refers to online classes for school students in Odisha. I wonder how parents who live in the rural or remote places with no or less network coverage will deal with this system. If both parents are working, how will they help their children during online classes? If a parent has got two or more children studying in the same school or different, how will they be able to make both the kids attend online classes as the timings might clash and lack of affordability to buy more than one laptop? How the parents who can’t afford to purchase laptops or computers for online classes are going to help themselves? Online classes are weekly thrice or twice; so, why is the school administration expecting the same prescribed fees since parents have to spend money for laptops, internet data expenses? I request the authorities concerned to look into this matter and help parents.
Special leave without pay cuts should be sanctioned for both or single parents who are working in private or Government institutions. They should be able to avail special leave on the concerned days when his or her kid or kids have online classes. Network coverage should be good for online classes. Discounts should be given for students who have to buy laptops and computers for their online classes.
Reduce school fees as classes are online and not regular.
In case both the parents are first-generation learners lacking knowledge of technology then the concerned schools must help them orientate about online classes by visiting them personally.
If parents are having one or more than two children and both kids are studying in the same school or different, their online class time schedule should be adjusted so that the children can gain maximum benefits.
(The writer works with NSS, CHSE, Odisha, Mob: 9437616497.The views expressed are personal)