Article 21A of the Indian constitution guarantees the right to education to every citizen in the age group 6-14. With schools having to shut down due to Covid-19, we have switched to digital means. Online schooling, however, is inaccessible to the masses with only the privileged now having access to education, going against the very ideals our constitution believes in.

72.6% of Indian households, however, have no access to the Internet. The actual access to digital education might even be less than what these statistics suggest. Irregular electricity, the possibility of needing more than one device: adaptability might be the new normal but normal needs to be accessible.

Marginalized communities face an unfair disadvantage due to the prevalent social and economic inequalities. Due to the lack of education and resources, they face a greater risk of not being able to solidify their position in society, thereby creating a vicious cycle.

With predicted resurgences of the virus even after the flattening of the curve brings out that we need to think about people who do not have the same privileges as you and I do.

Digital education does seem to be the most viable solution due to social distancing. However, it is possible for us to switch to alternative means,

99% of the Indian population has access to broadcast radio. I propose the airing of educational programs on radios. Internships could possibly be opened for school students so that what they gain through their schooling can benefit the sections missing out on that experience.