A recent Ministry of Education report on the ‘state of elementary education in rural India’ has revealed that over 50 per cent of students living in non-urban areas do not have access to smartphones and as a result do not have the option to study online. Moreover, the report stated that only 34 per cent of those having access to smartphones use the device for study-related download and the rest remain glued to various entertainment content. Through these claims, it is apparent that a large percentage of rural students are devoid of modern and advanced educational facilities. It indicates a deep urban-rural divide in the education sector. The divide first came to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic when educational institutions opted for online classes to avoid the deadly virus from spreading. Whilst in urban areas of the country, the new mode of teaching became an instant hit, the story was different in rural areas where students had to climb trees and hill tops to get signal. It’s a pity that many students were forced to discontinue their studies during this period due to such hindrances. Sensing the gravity of the situation, the central government has urged the states to sign an MoU with the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to provide internet connection to all government schools. But as per the data available, while a few states have successfully implemented this scheme, others are yet to show the same zeal. For instance, whilst Delhi has managed to provide internet connection to all government schools, and only ten per cent of Assam schools are equipped with internet facilities at present.
Clearly, shedding the lackluster attitude, states should provide internet connection to schools at the earliest to bridge the digital divide between the urban and rural areas. Online education has already proved its utility by allowing lakhs of students to continue their studies during the lockdown period. Even after the lockdown restrictions were eased, online education has been gaining popularity with every passing day as this method allows both teachers and students to teach and study at their convenience, rather than sticking to a fixed time. It also helps complete the syllabus on time by covering up for lost time. So, every student should have access to online education, irrespective of his or her locality. It is understandable that profit-driven private service providers may not be interested in rural markets considering the limited purchasing capacity of the people there, however, the nation should collectively come forward to plug the gap as such a divide is detrimental to future development and growth. Without internet access, the standard of education and employment opportunities for rural students is severely impacted and may give birth to a sense of deprivation in their minds. The country must devote itself to providing online education facilities to all students, making the urban-rural digital divide a matter of the past.
