ITANAGAR, Aug 9: The education department on Monday held consultations with all the DDSE’s through a virtual meeting to decide whether to start offline classes in the state. At present all the schools are closed due to Covid 19 pandemic and classes are being conducted online. Talking to press after the meeting, the education minister Taba Tedir said majority of DDSE’s barring the Lohit district have suggested starting offline classes.
“All districts have suggested starting offline classes except Lohit where Covid 19 cases is high. The DDSE Lohit informed that health officials have suggested postponing the start of offline class till positivity rate comes down,” said Tedir. The education minister informed that suggestions of DDSE’s will now be shared with the health department. “We will take the opinion and suggestion of the health department before making any decision. Also, I want to make it clear that before today’s virtual meeting all the DDSEs were directed to hold consultations with parents, NGOs, SMCs, DMOs, student’s unions etc on this issue. DDSE’s have presented their views and suggestions in the virtual meeting,” said minister Taba Tedir.
Further he shared that in recent months the education department has been receiving calls for starting the offline classes. “Last one and half years have been difficult for parents as well as students. Pandemic has hit the education system hard. We have been getting calls for the start of offline classes from parents, SMC, NGOs and students’ bodies. Online classes are not possible due to poor internet connectivity in the majority of districts,” said Tedir.
The minister further said that decisions to continue with online classes were taken based on the suggestion made by the health department.
“The schools reopened on 1st July and online classes started on 16th July including the admission process. Health department suggested continuing with online class till August 15. But now we are getting reports that only 25 to 30 percent attendance have been marked for online classes. Apart from connectivity issues, it is not possible for every parent to buy a smartphone for online classes,” said Tedir.
The senior officers of the education department have also virtually attended the meet. We are preparing the proposal which would be sent to the health department for their advice and suggestion the matter would be taken up to cabinet for discussion and further consideration. Tedir further said.
Tdir further appeal to all the teaching faculty and parents to take care of their school, classes and their childrens for their better future. Education department will always care for the better education system and better education scenario of the state and sought support from all stakeholders.
