Frustrated over inaction despite repeated requests, several civil society organisations and student bodies in Nagaland have been left with no option but to resort to warning telecom service providers to improve internet services or face consequences. But then, students for whom the urgency for improving internet access has emerged, will be at the receiving end again if even the existing available internet that runs at a snail's pace is cut off completely in case of disagreement. Protest or action, however genuine it may be, can have adverse effect on the people dwelling in infrastructure-deprived regions and rural areas where having one service provider is a luxury, forget about competition from various players. Telecom companies may have their reasons like hilly terrains, cost of erecting towers, less users, etc. for not investing in far-flung regions and villages with sparse population. But, they can’t afford to push their social responsibility to the backseat, especially during the Covid-19 crisis because students in such areas need more help than those in cities. Firms dealing with telecom services should rise up to the occasion and provide decent internet speed for students in infrastructure-starved regions. This, will help win the goodwill of the people, which is one of the most effective tools of public relations.
Digital divide may exist across the country, even in more developed states, but the magnitude and nature of the gap varies. While people in metropolitan cities have access to uninterrupted high speed internet through Fibernet and Airfiber, citizens of Kohima and Dimapur, two major cities of Nagaland, face erratic internet and even broadband offers just few Mbps speed. So, one can only imagine the fate of students in rural areas, who are facing twin problems of lack of gadgets and internet access. The teaching-learning process has literally been crippled in remote areas and repercussions will be devastating if the issues are not addressed urgently. For instance, students in remote areas who were deprived of various facilities even before the pandemic will compete with those from urban areas that have internet access once schools and colleges reopen. The real consequences of digital divide will surface only then. Good pass percentage could turn into “instant gratification” for many, especially those deprived of virtual learning and dropout rate in rural areas may rise once the formal classroom learning begins. But for students, quality education is necessary for their future and can’t be compromised. Considering the significance, the Centre government must explore all options to provide internet service, which is more important than school buildings, libraries and other facilities at the moment. It should be considered as an essential service and be implemented with urgency for the benefit of students- the future of the nation.