51% of respondents in HPSA survey bought new device for online classes

Hyderabad: A new study has revealed that a majority of the parents are against online classes for primary level students.

Conducted by Hyderabad Parents Schools Association (HSPA), the survey has revealed that 51 percent of the people had to buy a new device for their kids so that they could attend online classes during the lockdown.

The survey revealed that the majority of parents are against online classes for primary level students. According to the survey, the parents have no problems with online classes for elder children albeit with limited screen time of two hours.

Some parents also believe that online classes are not an effective way of learning and cause adverse effects on health. Few parents have alleged that some private schools are charging fees for online classes.

HSPA alleged that few schools are charging online-class-fees in addition to food-fee, transportation-fee, activity-fee, etc. According to the HSPA, the schools are violating GO MS 46 by collecting different types of fees when the government has clarified that only tuition fees should be charged.

Some schools are even trying to exploit the parents by withholding online class links if parents are unable to clear fees, alleged HSPA.

“Dear Parent. As we are going to start online classes from June first week for the same the online learning link will be sent and it is accessible, only to the students who had paid three months (March, April, and May) fees, books fees, and uniforms. You are requested to clear the fee due on or before May 25, 2020. If paid please ignore this message. Note- only cash or cheque is acceptable for the book payments. With regards, Principal," reads a message of the private school in Hyderabad.

Members of HSPA have written to Principal Secretary, School Education Department, urging him to take cognizance of the matter.

"Everyone is affected economically, physically, psychologically. There are job losses, salary cuts, decreased incomes or zero business, adverse impact on health due to the spread of the virus. Private schools are continuing to fleece the parents despite the government order,” said Seema Agarwal, Vice President- Hyderabad School Parents Association (HSPA).

She said schools are forcing parents to buy uniforms, books, notebooks and other stationery for the online classes at skyrocketing prices from the shops operating within school premises.

"Most of the private schools have sent SMS/emails etc. announcing no fee-hike and collecting the fee on a monthly basis. There are few schools that still have not sent any such message or have simply refused to comply with the GO MS 46. On behalf of all the parents, we demand stringent action against the violating schools," Agarwal said.