Greeva Garg –
Published on: September 1, 2021, at 12:33 IST
The Kerala High Court issued a directive to State Government and the concerned authorities to launch a website for facilitating economically weaker students to ensure their access to virtual classes.
The High Court asked the Government to examine the feasibility of setting up a website where such students can register themselves so that those interested can contribute to the purchase of necessary digital gadgets.
“The Government shall get specific instructions as to the steps taken to ensure that economically disadvantaged students are not sidelined by the digital divide and they are also able to pursue education like other children who have access to such gadgets,” the Order stated.
The petition was filed by school students through their parents after they felt the increasing need for digital facilities due to the rise of the Covid-19 pandemic, and being economically poor they don’t have access to online classes which is affecting their education.
The petitioners contended their rights for free and compulsory education provisioned as a Fundamental Right under Article 21A of the Constitution of India, also, they relied on the provisions of the Right to Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
Taking up a matter, Bench headed by Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan issued interim order and stated that “Respondents shall look into the grievances projected by the students in this writ petition and shall inform this Court of the prospects of setting up a website with the assistance of the Kerala State IT mission where schools/needy students could get themselves registered so that individuals/Companies/NRI’s/NGO’s could voluntarily contribute to the purchase of phones/ digital gadgets or supply them.”
Click here to Read/Download the Order
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