Online learning of tribal students; no action initiated to implement schemes

Mankulam: The scheme to provide digital devices to ensure the online learning of the students belonging to Scheduled Tribes has not been implemented effectively. Although the local bodies and Scheduled Tribes Departments have jointly announced schemes, no action has been initiated. 

Also, the proposal to set up mobile towers in colonies where there is no internet access has also not been implemented. The panchayats were allowed to use tribal funds to buy and give tabs and laptops to children belonging to ST category. However, no panchayat has utilized the funds so far. It is said that there are some technical issues to fulfill the same. 

Current TSP Funds can only be spent if the plans are amended and changed into a digital devices purchase plan with the approval of the District Planning Committee. The plan was not revised in most places. The planning committee also does not function properly because of Covid. This is the reason for the delay in the disbursement of TSP funds.

Actions have been taken to launch a digital device challenge with public participation. It has been days since the mobile companies surveyed to set up towers in the colonies. The report was submitted to the district administration. 

The officials said that the main obstacle is the denial of permission by the forest department to erect towers in colonies where the Forest Rights Act exists. This requires a decision at the government level. Otherwise, the construction of the tower will come to a standstill due to technical glitches.