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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Congress gets final eviction notices for Akbar Road, Raisina Road offices
New Delhi (PTI): The Congress party has received notices from the Estate department to vacate its 24, Akbar road office and 5, Raisina Road premises in Lutyens Delhi by March 28, according to sources.
The party faces eviction of its old party office, which it has held since 1978, as this is the final notice sent by the estate department.
The party continues to have its headquarters at its Akbar Road office, while the Indian Youth Congress functions from the Raisina Road premises.
The sources said that the notice was delivered a few days and has not even given a week's time to the grand old party.
Sources in the party said the Congress is yet to formulate its strategy on the issue and may even approach court in view of the sudden notice.
The Congress has already constructed its new party office at Indira Bhawan.
While the party did not say anything officially, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said the government should apply its rule uniformly to all and not single it out.
