As schools started reopening with the easing of restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, it has come to light that imparting quality education to all children still remains a distant dream in the country, notwithstanding the guarantee of free and compulsory education to every child within the ages of 6-14 years through the Right to Education Act, 2009. All over the country, many students have failed to come back to classrooms as they have either been engaged in odd jobs to earn their livelihoods, or are unable to pay school fees. For female students, the situation is more severe as many were married against their will, and in terms of access to education, precedence is given by many families to male members. This alarming situation is prevalent all over the entire country be it in Kerala, the state with the highest literacy rate or in West Bengal, considered as one of the most progressive states in the country, everywhere economically challenged students are unable to receive an education. The most glaring example of the prevailing situation came to light when nearly one lakh students across four districts in Tamil Nadu did not return to their schools. Despite frantic efforts by the authorities, more than two-thirds of students are yet to make a comeback to the classroom.
It is not difficult to understand that economic reasons that have kept many students out of the schools. As per the National Survey Sample Office, 2017-18, only a little over 10 per cent of Indians are fortunate enough to have computers and nearly 75 per cent of people do not have internet access. A student from north Bengal even requested the District Magistrate (DM) for a smartphone to continue his studies. The survey also found that the majority of Indian households cannot even think of investing in laptops or computers as their topmost priority is to earn two square meals for their families. This is why when their income was drastically downsized due to the pandemic, these families decided to send as many family members as possible to work to bridge the deficit. In West Bengal when a ninth standard girl did not return to her school, a few teachers went to her house only to find that the girl was already married and expecting her first child. On being asked the reason behind getting the girl married at such an early age, her parents simply replied that they were unable to feed her properly and hence the decision was taken to take her out of school as it was a secondary issue.
If poverty keeps children out of schools, soon society will be devoid of knowledge. Post-Covid-19, a collective endeavour should be made to bring all children back to school to save society from penury. Along with the Centre and state governments, parents too, should not fail in their duty to provide proper education to their children. Otherwise, the country’s future appears bleak. Knowledge is the power that drives society forward and we must continue to champion education.