Online classes creating 'digital divide' among students: Lakmen Rymbui

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Minister of Education Lakmen Rymbui categorically stated that the online classes conducted for school students is creating a "digital divide" during the ongoing lockdown but felt that there are no alternative at this juncture.

Answering to questions raised by the members of the Opposition during the Question Hour in the State Assembly, Rymbui stated, "While it is a reality that the it has created a digital divide, but it is another way to move forward". He conceded to the concern expressed by the Opposition because there are students who can't afford to buy the expensive gadgets, yet informed the House that the government is also using Doordarshan and All India Radio to reach to the such students.

Making it clear that the government doesn't have the resources to provide the gadgets to the less privileged students, the Minister also said that the government is looking at ways and means to start classroom teaching which cannot be supplemented by other medium.

On the dilemma faced by the private schools where the management could not clear the salary of teachers due to non-payment of tuition fees, the minister said that extension of financial help will be examined.