No online classes for children from KG to 5th std: Karnataka govt
Bengaluru: Amid complaints about the conduct of virtual classes, the Karnataka government on Wednesday decided to stop online classes for children from Kindergarten (KG) to class 5.
"Two decisions have been taken-online classes for LKG, UKG, and primary classes should be stopped immediately.
Also, collecting fees in the name of online classes should be stopped immediately," Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar told reporters here.
He said, several complaints have been received regarding online classes, and he held discussions with experts, a body of private educational institutions and officials in this regard, and everyone was of the opinion online classes cannot be an alternative to physical classes.
Discussions were also held on how to engage children during this period, with no clarity over the reopening of schools, he said.
A committee has been constituted under the leadership of Prof M K Sridhar to prepare guidelines on how to engage students and increase their knowledge, the minister said.
There has been pressure on the government to act, as parents have been complaining about online classes conducted by private schools even for kindergarten kids.
Further stating that the government had already issued circular asking educational institutions not to hike fees on humanitarian grounds considering financial constraints of several people due to the COVID-19 pandemic and induced lockdown, Kumar said, if schools decide to reduce the amount of the fees, it will be a "very welcome move."
He noted that from June 25 SSLC (Class 10) exams were starting.
Before taking the decision he had consulted people from all walks of life, experts, representatives of political parties, the minister said.
"From June 25 to July 4, the exams will be held and the safety of children is our utmost priority and we are taking all necessary steps in this regard.
Preparations for the exams are on in all districts, micro-level planning is being done," he said, adding that Health, Transport, and Home Departments have joined hands with the Education department in this regard.
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Attacks on Christians contradict PM's message of harmony, visit to church: Gehlot
Jaipur (PTI): Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday expressed concern over the reported attacks and disruptions in prayer gatherings of the Christian community in different parts of the country, saying such incidents were "worrying and condemnable".
In a post on X, Gehlot said that while the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visiting a church and giving a message of peace and harmony, news of attacks on members of the Christian community from various regions reflected a serious contradiction.
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"Symbolic gestures would not be enough, and strict legal action was required against those spreading hatred," the senior Congress leader said.
He added that Indian culture has always upheld the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", where every citizen has full freedom to practise their faith.
Gehlot urged the Centre and state governments to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no citizen is forced to celebrate their festival under fear.
