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Maharashtra govt restricts online classes to few hours a day; dept to release new SoP for schools

A few days after educational institutions began the new academic year with online classes for children, parents raised questions regarding the time spent in front of the screen thereby expressing worries about children's health and safety.

Maharashtra govt restricts online classes to few hours a day; dept to release new SoP for schools
SHARES

Amidst the fifth phase of the coronavirus lockdown, many schools in Mumbai and other parts of the state decided to begin the new academic year (2020-21) using online means of education. However, within the first few days of this being implemented, several parents, authorities and bodies have raised issues and complained with several reasons.

Parents have pointed out that due to the online system of classes, children are forced to use the computers, leading to an increase in the screen time, which could lead to several health concerns. Complaints were sent to the ministry where parents sought a solution to the same.

In a conversation with the Free Press Journal, Maharashtra's Education Minister, Varsha Gaikwad stated that the government will issue new standard operation procedure (SOP) regarding online classes. The report published on June 12, 2020, states that the officials have decided the following as per classes.


  • For students upto Standard or Class 2: No online class (this includes children in pre-primary and primary)
  • Standard or Class 3 and 4 - one hour
  • Standard or Class 5 and 6 - two hours
  • Standard or Class 9 to 12 - three hours

It is said that Yuva Sena had also requested the respective department to consider offering better solutions for education, thereby raising concerns about children's health. Sharing his thought, Yuva Sena Secretary took to Twitter, and said, "This is brilliant. I feel schools should have self regulated this but if they arnt willing to, Govt should step in. Well done @OfficeofUT Saheb @VarshaEGaikwad ji @AUThackeray ji"

Besides these issues, many across the country had also complained about homes or localities not having technological support, which could hamper children's education. 

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