DIMAPUR, APRIL 23 (MExN): The Private College Association of Nagaland (PCAN) has written to the Nagaland Chief Secretary with regard to the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown is having on the education sector.
A press release from PCANPresident, Dr PS Lorin and General Secretary, Vezuhu Keyho informed that there are about 23,000 students enrolled in some 44 private colleges in the State, employing about 1,090 teachers and 640 staffs.
“If containment and safety is not assured for too long, and if the shutdown of schools and colleges is continued consequently, we fear for the financial sustainability of the private institutions, which in turn will adversely impact the pay and salary of the teachers and staff that we employ,” the PCAN said. It stated that this will impact thousands more, who in turn, are dependent upon them.
With regard to the students, the PCAN said that the colleges are trying to keep students updated with their studies and lessons through online platforms and other ICT means. However, it said that many students are outside the online loop on account of poor internet connectivity within the State in general, or for some, because they could not afford a smart phone.
“Thus in spite of various directives from higher authorities for educational institutions to switch over to online classes, it cannot be a full substitute for traditional classrooms. Re-opening of educational institutions at the earliest is thus of great importance,” the PCAN added.
This, it however stressed, must be done as and when it is deemed safe to do so. “We are ready to fully cooperate with the Government in this regard, in whatever way possible,” it said.
‘Consider university semester exams first’
The association urged that as soon as the situation allows, conduct of university semester examinations, earlier scheduled for start by the first week of April 2020, may first be considered before reopening regular classes.
“As and when exams would be conducted and classes re-open, we request that strict safety protocol guidelines be given for the institutions to follow. Along with the guidelines, we would also request for equipment and health workers’ assistance for daily/regular screening of students, faculty and staff,” the PCAN stated.
It further expressed concern with the academic progress, welfare and well-being of the students, who come from all parts of the State, as well as beyond. The lockdown has stranded many students in different locations, the PCAN said, and appreciated the efforts made by the State Government to extend help to all such stranded students, and requested that the Government not neglect their plight till normalcy returns.
Push online tools
The PCAN meanwhile noted that post COVID-19, usage of online tools, video conferencing classrooms etc. will become more necessary. The institutions in Nagaland should not be left behind, it stated and asked the Government of Nagaland for financial assistance to the colleges to upgrade such ICT facilities.
It also asked the State Government, the Nagaland University and the Higher Education Department, should assure the student community that their futures are also being looked into, with specific steps being. “We do not wish to see an academic year being lost for no fault of theirs,” it added.
The PCAN further urged the State Government to urgently step up its preparedness of testing, tracing, isolation and treatment standards, including availability of adequate safety equipment.“If this can be done, based on region-wise classification, decision for reopening of regular classes in the NE or Nagaland can be done separately from other region(s),” it observed.
It asked the government to work with transparency and hard work, and maintain its credibility. “This is a time and opportunity, that we feel the Government should renew its social contract with the citizens in more concrete ways,” the PCAN said.
