FRIDAY, MAY 03, 2024
Team Herald
Porvorim: The opposition on Monday on the Floor of the House cornered the State government over the conduct of online-classes for the students during the current pandemic; pointing out to the lack of infrastructure and internet connectivity being major hindrance in the way of e-learning. The opposition also lashed out at the government's failure to assess the feasibility of digital learning before opting for the online mode of schooling.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also acknowledged that there is poor internet connectivity in various parts of the State; while blaming this on those who have been opposing the installation of mobile towers. On this note, he referred to how there are nearly 200-250 applications pending before the government for installing mobile towers, especially in the interiors of the State, due to public protest.
Sawant also informed the State Legislative Assembly that a survey for evaluating the devices and connectivity with students is in process and that the schools have been asked to submit the data by July 30, post which necessary decisions will be taken with regards to online classes.
“The schools themselves should have conducted the survey rather than waiting for the Education department to take steps,” he said.
The Chief Minister also assured to provide the required devices to the students, once the survey is complete. Also, advanced computer laboratories will be set up in all schools, he said.
The House witnessed a heated debate on the conduct of online classes for students due to the delay in re-opening of schools and colleges for the current academic year 2020-21 in view of the COVID pandemic.
The opposition comprising of Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat, Goa Forward Party (GFP) MLA Vijai Sardesai, MGP MLP Ramakrishna ‘Sudin Dhavalikar and Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte led a scathing attack on the government; while assuring to provide all support and cooperation during the pandemic.
Dhavalikar, who raised the question during the Question Hour, sought to know the steps initiated by the government to improve connectivity, claiming that several remote villages do not have internet access. He said that when the government can install gas pipelines without NOC from local bodies then why can’t it install mobile towers in primary schools or government properties.
The MLA also brought to the notice of the House that there is every possibility of copying during online examination, the concept adopted by the colleges for final semester examination.
Replying to the same, the CM said that the online-classes are encouraged as per the guidelines set by the Ministry of Human Resource Development and total 11,000 teachers have been trained for the purpose.
Stating that they cannot intervene in the functioning of Goa University, Sawant admitted the possibility of copying during online examination.
“There are people who will protest even if we hold exams and even if we don’t have examinations,” he said.
Advising the government, Kamat opined that the State should make optimum use of Intranet facilities to promote online and distance education. He added that the intranet facility has already reached almost all the talukas and panchayats in the State with the laying of underground fibre optic cables.
Further, Sardesai criticized the government for discontinuing the cyberage scheme, introduced by former CM late Manohar Parrikar. He demanded that the same be re-introduced to provide benefit to the students, who are suffering in absence of devices for online classes.
There was also a bitter war of words between Sardesai and Sawant over certain allegations and statements. Coming back to point, Sardesai questioned the need for discontinuing the scheme.
Replying to the charges, the Chief Minister, while acknowledging that Parrikar, his ‘guru’ had started the scheme, asserted that the scheme was discontinued decision following recommendation from the Education dept, which had received a series of complaints from parents and teachers with regards to misuse of the scheme.
Khaunte also said that while digital learning is a way forward, the govt needs to make sure that required infrastructure is in place.
