Internet connectivity in rural areas major hurdle for online classes

PUNE It’s been 15 months of various degrees of Covid lockdown, and students from rural Pune are struggling to get an online education. Access to internet in the rural areas is a major challenge.

“In 15 months, no concrete steps to provide devices have been taken by the rural administration. When they talk about online school, steps should at least be taken for an internet connection,” said educational activist Sachin Jamage, working president, Vande Mataram Organisation.

To beat the network issues, villagers are finding different ways to ensure education happens.

“We don’t have internet network, so what we do is we find a big open space and arrange offline classes, either in a temple hall or on a ground.