The world as well as our country has been going through an unprecedented crisis due to COVID – 19. Schools, colleges and education institutions are closed from March to ensure the safety of our children. It might not be possible to open them in the near future because our health facilities are  limited and overburdened and it is hard reality that hundreds have lost their lives due to lack of proper medical facilities and attention.

            It is a fact that education of some children have been continuing virtually by on-line mode, presenting a picture that all’s well and there has been no disruption. However the reality is that it is a poor substitute and this facility is available only to a privileged few. How many parents have the wherewithal to provide the children with the infrastructure for on-line classes, both the initial investment and running costs? Students of the poor and lower middle class studying in schools run by government or charitable institutions  are the worst sufferers.

            Even for those who can afford, the question remains how much of the gap can virtual education fulfil of the actual classroom one-to-one education. It leaves a lot to be desired. In this experiment the total involvement of the parents is expected which might not be possible for all parents. Think of the persons who are COVID Warriors like doctors, nurses, medical, para-medical staff, municipal, banking and other staff who had to work during the lockdown and thereafter. NIMHANS of Bangalore had declared that on-line classes are not suitable for  children below 6 years. Further even for children upto Class 6 or 7 the involvement of parents in necessary both during the classes and later to coach the child. There is massive psychological and physiogical pressure, especially for those appearing for public exams and school finals of Class 10 and Class 12, since they are also unable to attend coaching classes or take proper guidance from teachers. As a consequence children of parents who are serving the cause of the Nation and the public, in fighting this pandemic and maintaining emergency and essential services are the worst sufferers. No one has highlighted their plight since a large section of the media is busy in diverting attention of the people from the real issues.

Please refer : https://thewire.in/education/education-schooling-coronavirus

The Government has claimed that at least 30 % of children are covered under on-line classes whereas actually its not more than 16%. Even parents of children in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya schools and  Adarsh Vidyalayas are not able to provide these facilities. 

There have been many reports of children’s health suffering due to constant time spend before the digital screens. From being rendered brain dead to effecting their health and eyesight by sitting long hours before the screens and eyesight.   

The Government and the Boards have found a shortcut method of curtailing the curriculum which is not the solution. These omitted portions will have to be taught in later years . As such there is a heavy load of curriculum and books and this will have devastating effects of the tender minds of the children.

            As such about three-fourths of the annual session is over without physical classes. It is suggested that the students repeat the same class again and spend it partly on revising the lessons of the past years which form the building blocks for future education especially in Mathematic and Science and partly on the current curriculum which will help them in building a strong foundation. Else the present students would find themselves in different levels of learning and suffering from handicaps which would be difficult to overcome. In future. 

            As a corollary the age limits for thee effected students may be increased for competitive examinations, higher education, entrances and employment.

            This suggestion may be forwarded to the UN and other international bodies to be implemented worldwide.