The Indian central government recently introduced a National Education Policy that seeks to implement systemic changes in the education system in India. The NEP was introduced in the midst of a national response to the Covid-19 pandemic that has been sweeping across the country. A number of states have ordered the closure of all schools in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The three schools that are operated by Kripa are currently all closed as a result of these state directives.
While technology has played a crucial role during these times by providing students and teachers a virtual bridge to connect online, the reality is that there still remains an immense number of students who either do not have the technological means to connect online with their teachers or have no easy access to the digital infrastructure that makes this online educational interaction possible.
In an interview with a national daily, Mr. Manish Sisodia, the Education Minister of Delhi admitted that the government does not have the financial resources to provide devices to all students to enable them to bridge the digital divide. (HT, “We are ready for an influx of students from private to government schools: Sisodia”, dated Aug 07, 2020).
Is there then a digital divide that the financially marginalized segments of society will have to cross in order to get their children educated?
As educators ponder this question in light of an increasing tide of coronavirus infections across India and an uncertain path towards a virus vaccine, it is obvious that an unconventional approach to providing education will need to be developed. An approach that combines the best of technology, innovation and philanthropy into developing practical solutions that ensure that no child gets left behind.