VALPOI
With the new academic year commencing from June 21, classes will be conducted in the online mode in schools.
However, students in 40 per cent villages in Sattari taluka are keeping their fingers crossed over the lack of mobile network in the area. Parents have expressed fears that these children will once again suffer like last year.
Last year, after the government launched online education in a similar manner, a serious situation had arisen when many had to trek through remote forests to higher ground for network connectivity.
Many villages in the taluka still do not have mobile network. In some villages, BSNL network is available but it is not possible to study online through this network.
According to the information, Satre, Darode, Kodal, Maloli, Nanoda, Bambar areas of Nagargao panchayat have no connectivity at all.
Karanjhol, Kumthol, Shelpe Budruk, Savarde, Sonal, Dhave in Savarde panchayat, while Khotoda Malpan, Shelpe, Paikul, Murmune in Guleli panchayat also face similar difficulties. This is likely to affect online activity of children in a big way.
HOTSPOTS: Against the backdrop of the dire situation created after the introduction of online education last year, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant had announced to make hotspots available in rural areas. If this hotspot had been made available, the children in these villages could have benefited. However, the hotspots declared by the government have not yet seen the light of the day.
MOBILE PHONES: Many parents in Sattari do not have the financial means to buy mobiles phones required for online education. This will deprive many children of access to online classes.
Last year, it may be recalled, a student had committed suicide in Pal village in Sattari. Questions were then raised about the online education system and the poor financial situation of such families.
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