Online classes for colleges start without preparations; allegations arise

Thiruvananthapuram: When new academic year begins on Monday, fresh complaints and allegations also arose regarding the online classes for colleges. The major allegation is that the online teaching system was decided without taking necessary arrangements.

When a left wing teachers association made such a statement, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also lashed out at them. Also there are complaints that the higher education department intervenes in the academic activities of colleges disobeying the Governor's instruction.

When a proper platform was arranged for online classes for schools, no such coordinated system was formed for the colleges, it is alleged. As per plans, classes will be conducted using various apps and later they will be made available offline. But the students are concerned of internet connectivity and other factors.

About 30 percent of the students in government colleges have no access to internet and power cut during monsoon  will affect the classes. When the students have to attend 5 hours for online classes, it causes them more expense for internet. There are technical issues in using the modules prepared for classes during these hours, the teachers pointed out.

It was left wing teachers association AKPCTA (All Kerala Private College Teachers Association) that protested against conducting online classes from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm. Following this, the chief minister criticised their stand in the weekly programme 'Nam Munnott'. The association later withdrew their statement.

As per rules, the universities are responsible for taking decision regarding the teaching hours, attendance and curricular and extra curricular subjects in affiliated colleges. But the government issued the order in this regard violating this, alleged the Save University Campaign committee.