Lok Sabha Question No. 62 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-09-14
Subject: Problems in Education Sector due to COVID 19
Ministry: Education
Asked by: N.K. Premachandran, Rodmal Nagar

- (a): Yes Sir.
- (b): A series  of  interactions  have  been  done  by  the  Ministry  of  Education,  UGC,  NCERT, AICTE, CBSE etc. with state ministers, secretaries, students, parents and teachers to understand the  situation  being  faced  by  students  community.  A  committee  formed  by  University  Grants

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

## DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 62 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.09.2020

## PROBLEMS IN EDUCATION SECTOR DUE TO COVID 19

## 62. SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN :

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has analysed the problems in education sector due to COVID-19;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it comes to the notice of the Government that the long term online education is not good for the physical and mental health of students;
- (d) if so, the initiative taken/ to be taken by the Government to modulate the education system;
- (e) whether it comes to the notice of the Government that the educational institution are levying high fees form students without providing the infrastructure facilities during the lock down period and restrictions under COVID-19;
- (f) if so, the action taken for  providing relief to parents and students;
- (g) the modifications made by the Government in educational system in various level during the Covid-19 pandemic; and
- (h)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  remodify  the  same  considering  the  difficulties  of parents and students?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF EDUCATION (SHRI RAMESH POKHRIYAL 'NISHANK')

Commission interacted with Vice-Chancellors of different universities to discuss the plans on the restoration of teaching learning and training activities in the campuses keeping in view the social distancing and safety protocols to be maintained for longer periods to keep students, faculty and staff safe and operating the institution. A survey has been conducted by NCERT in the schools of KVS, NVS and CBSE to understand the challenges of digital modes of teaching and learning and these findings are being used to prepare a guideline for Students' Learning Enhancement.

(c) and (d): Ministry  of  Education  has  taken  initiative  to  provide  psychological  support  to students, teachers and families for mental health and wellbeing during the Covid-19 outbreak and beyond. Under the initiative, a web page named Manodarpan has been created on the Ministry of Education (MoE's) website. The webpage contains advisory, practical tips, posters, videos, do's and don'ts for psychological support, FAQ and online query system. There is a provision of telecounseling to address their mental health and psychological issues.

(e) and (f): Education being in the Concurrent List, is the responsibility of both Central and State  Governments.  So  far  as  fee  regulations  in  various  central  educational  institutions  are concerned, they take decisions through their regulatory units such as Finance Committee, Board of Governors, Executive Council etc.

(g) and (h): In order to maintain schedules of institutions, a multi-pronged approach has been adopted leveraging technology to reach the students. SWAYAM and SWAYAM PRABHA are used by colleges, universities to provide learning facilities. The guidelines of Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare containing precautionary measures to ensure safety of students. These are regularly followed in every aspect of conduct of examinations and running of educational institutions.

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