NSUI expresses concern on the academic career of students due to COVID-19

Kohima, May 20 (NE): The pandemic COVID-19 has gripped the world with fear and uncertainty. At the outset, the NSUI, Nagaland applauded the frontline workers for their selfless sacrifice in the fight against the deadly virus.

The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Nagaland expressed deep concern regarding the academic career of thousands of students which is in jeopardy due to COVID-19. The union appreciated all the teachers who even during this period have been relentlessly engaged in imparting knowledge through various means.

The NSUI Nagaland said that desperate times like this calls to adopt innovative ways to mitigate the problems and suggested certain measures as mentioned below:

The union urged the network service providers to provide seamless internet connectivity atleast during the lockdown period to ensure that online classes are not disrupted at any cost.

The union further urged the school authority to ensure that hard copies of study materials are prepared and made available at reasonable rates for the middle and primary classes and those from least privileged background, in case online classes are not a viable option.

The union also said that it will be unjust to demand the waiving of school/college fees, taking into account the plight of most of the private school/college gets paid a meagre salary.
However, superfluous expenditures maybe cut and the same be refunded to the students, it added.

Regarding the fee structure of various schools/colleges, it has been found to heavily burden the parents with amount ranging from Rs. 200-1000 being charged under various heads, the union noted. Also, keeping in mind that social gathering needs to be avoided and precautions to be taken throughout the year, the union suggested that activities such as annual sports, teachers day, parents day, childrens day, freshers/parting social, retreats, study tour/exposure trip, etc may be cancelled and the amount for the same be adjusted with the school/college fees. Other expenditures such as laboratory fee, computer fee, library fee, ANPSA charges, welfare fund, school/college development/maintenance fee may also be curbed and adjusted with the school/college fees, NSUI said.

Considering the job losses due to COVID-19 and the plight of parents unable to make both ends meet especially the daily wage earners, the NSUI Nagaland requested the school/college authority not to pressurize such parents to pay fees on time, but to identify such parents and strategize ways such as extending the deadline or paying the fees in installment basis till such time they’re able to pay in full.

Further, the union appealed the state government to pay the private teachers who are getting salary below Rs. 10000 with an upfront of Rs. 5000/- as one time payment to meet the exigencies arising out of the COVID-19.

The NSUI Nagaland reiterated their stand to serve and fight for the rights of the students community. It also appealed the students not to spend their time leisurely and instead use the lockdown period to enhance their knowledge, while requesting the citizens to stay indoors and practice social distancing,