Maharashtra: Students from Nagpur's slum find it difficult to study due to lack of smartphones, internet

Fear looms in the minds of young Nagpur children as they are uncertain about how will they continue with their studies in the near future. Students from Nagpur's Danteshwari Nagar slum find it difficult to study due to the lack of smartphones availability and data pack charges.

Laxmi, a student residing in the slum area told ANI, "It is difficult for us to study with one phone. Internet packs is also costly and sometimes there are network issues too."

Laxmi's parents, also said that they cannot afford smartphones and have only one phone which they need to carry at work.

"Studying from schools is a more convenient option for our children, online classes have made things difficult. We are daily wage labourers, can't look after their studies", informed the parents.

Jayshree Chikane, a teacher at a nearby government school said, "Students do face issues, especially the young kids. At least 50 per cent of our students don't have smartphone access."

As schools across the country continue to remain shut due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many children fear missing out on quality education. Maharashtra government on May 9 informed that there will be no hike in school fees for this academic year 2020-21 in the state.

India, on July 1, marked six years of Digital India. Digital India is the country's slogan of strength in the 21st century, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday while interacting with beneficiaries of the DIKSHA scheme, via video conferencing.

"If there is zeal for innovation, there is a passion for its quick adaptation in the country. This is why Digital India is India's resolution, the practice of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Digital India is the 21st century's slogan of India's strength," the Prime Minister had said.

(ANI)