Mangaluru: After the government’s decision to ban online classes up to fifth standard, MLA U T Khader questioned why a similar ban has not been implemented on education apps that are used for teaching the students online.

Addressing a press meet on Saturday, June 13 Khader lauded the decision to stop online classes from LKG to the fifth standard. He however sought to know why a similar restriction has not been implemented for apps that offer online coaching. The schools may commence their online classes through such apps of corporate companies if the Covid pandemic situation continues, said MLA U T Khader.

Pointing out that smartphones and internet connectivity is not accessible for all students, Khader said that those students whose families cannot afford to buy smartphones for online classes undergo mental trauma.

The Congress leader alleged that the government has no clarity on the education system. The government should have been ready with an action plan for reopening of schools with reduced syllabus. Textbooks should be printed and sent to the schools.

On the issue of school fees, Khader said that government must consider problems of parents as well as private school managements who are finding it difficult to pay their staff before arriving at any decision.

Further Khader said that the government must focus on conducting the SSLC and PUC exam with due precautions. The responsibility of sanitising the classrooms after the exam should be given to the health department instead of the local administration. Exams should be conducted only after taking all precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, he added