Devika's suicide and Kerala's digital divide

On June 4, the most literate State in India - Kerala, became one of the first in the world to adopt an online schooling system for the new academic year. Around 40 lakh students listened attentively to the classes telecasted on State-owned KITE-Victers channel. The government received widespread appreciation for resuming educational activities amid COVID-19 pandemic in a safe manner. On the same day, Devika, a 14-year-old girl from Valanchery, Malappuram, reportedly set herself ablaze over the pain of not able to attend the online classes. Her father, a daily wage labourer could not afford to buy a smartphone nor repair the TV- two essential mediums to make learning happen. 

This is not just Devika's story. According to reports by the State government-appointed committee, around 2.5 lakh children in Kerala have no access to smartphones or TV. The government while announcing the 'Project First Bell' maintained that it is used as a trial basis in the initial week and promised that the mission is to make learning accessible for each student. They directed local bodies to set up neighbourhood classrooms for children. Devika did not wait for any of these facilities. Perhaps, she may not have been aware of these arrangements. We can sense her pain in not being able to access what is her basic right- education. 

While a large number of students listened to online classes, children in tribal hamlets like the ones in Edamalakkudi went fishing or played with friends. Smartphones and TV were too much of a luxury for their families. The local self-government could not set up any facilities either. We are sure that they will all step up following this unfortunate incident. But we can't give Devika a second chance, can we?

Digital divide 

In simple terms, it is the gulf between those who have ready access to computers and the Internet and those who do not. This concept was developed by Larry Irving. India is a classic example of this phenomena. We have two parallel worlds inside our country. One is for the privileged lot and the other one without any such privileges. Under 'Digital India' and several other connectivity projects, we have made rapid progress in terms of internet connectivity. But unfortunately, we have not reached that stage where learning can be made online. It can be done in elite schools in big cities and some popular government schools too. But it may take many more years to see it happening in small towns and villages. Before announcing a scheme, a policymaker is told to look into the impact it could have on the most vulnerable sections and how it can support them. Devika's death is a reminder as to how the lack of opportunity can make a child take such extreme steps. 

What we can do

A well-oiled system with the support of parents, teachers and local ward can help identify the needy children. District Education Officers and other education officials need to make sure that things are running smoothly in their areas. Along with online learning, we can also use loudspeakers in tribal hamlets or develop study centres. We cannot leave it completely to the government to assist the children. This is a new opportunity for learning. It'd be good if we can play our part by supporting the ones without access. We can also think about conducting regular classes for children without any online facilities at their own schools. We can probably go with a 30 per cent attendance system. This would not deny children the opportunity. These are tough times. Let's not make it tougher for our kids.