IDUKKI: In the absence of proper online education facilities for tribal students in Idukki, the tribal department recommended opening all tribal hostels in the district to ensure proper education for tribal students.
As per the final estimate of over 2,000 tribal students in the district, there is no proper device to continue their online education. On a trial basis, the tribal department agreed to open tribal hostels and provide entry to SSLC and Plus Two students.
Former Adimali tribal development officer (TDO) Anil Bhaskar said that they sought permission to admit students from Class XIII to the hostel to ensure the education of the tribal students.
“In many areas of the district, the education of tribal students is still in limbo due to the absence of devices and proper connectivity. In the present situation, direct education is the only possible way to ensure these students,” said the official.
“Teachers in the district agreed that they will be ready to provide classes to the students. Twelve tribal hostels and two model residential schools in the district are under the tribal department. And when they get permission, the online education issue will be solved,” said the official.
“Before admission, we will conduct Covid-19 test for the students and once they enter the hostel. The teachers will also be vaccinated. The hostel will open for Class X to XII students from September 1,” said Bhaskar.
Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) Idukki district project co-coordinator D Bindumol said that two hostels were under SSK in the district, and they will seek permission to open the hostels after the opening of tribal hostels.
As per the estimate, 13,517 students are having no facility for online education. According to sources, after three months of digital education, most students are out of online education.“In absence of a proper network, there is no way to continue the education of tribal students from Class XIII onwards in the first tribal panchayat of Edamalakkudy near Munnar,” said an education department official.
Jomon Thomas, a resident of Upputhara in Idukki, said that over 200 students at Kannambadi cross electric fencing and climb a hill to attend online classes every day. “After three months of online education, the situation has not yet changed,” he said.
