Irshad Hussain
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, academic institutions all over Jammu Kashmir have resorted to online education. But the idea of online education is not proving to be very ‘class friendly.
Students of Mir Bahri Dal, Srinagar have alleged that due to the poor network in the area, they miss online classes on regular basis.
8th class student, Saniya Zahra, told The Kashmiriyat that they never really understand the online lectures by the teachers given the poor network. There is no telecommunication company tower in the area.
“This is the sheer wastage of our time. We request the administration to set up a tower in the area of Mir Bahri Dal so that the students do not suffer any further,” she said.
The Government of India had launched a campaign in order to ensure the government’s digital services are made available to citizens, by improved online infrastructure and by increasing Internet connectivity.
However, even in the 21st century, students of Mir Bahri Dal which is the center of Srinagar city, are being deprived of these facilities due to the unavailability of towers.
Students of the area alleged that they travel distances from their houses for online classes.
Another 10th class student told The Kashmiriyat that she had thought of watching YouTube videos to prepare for the examinations, but due to poor networks, she couldn’t.
However, The Kashmiriyat contacted a Srinagar-based Airtel official, and they affirmed that they were aware that the area has a poor network.
“We would have installed towers, but the area comes under the jurisdiction of LAWDA. If the local committees try to engage with LAWDA authorities on this issue, we will set up the towers within no time, ” the official told The Kashmiriyat.