Mumbai: Mobile data charges for students sought from BMC

The NMMC last week declared that it will pay Rs 500 to each student for their mobile internet connection. Representation pic

Days after the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) declared that it would give students of civic schools Rs 500 for mobile internet connection to ensure they can continue with their online classes, a similar demand has been raised by teachers and students' organisations for students of schools run by the BMC. This demand assumes significance at a time when several students of civic-run schools have been missing out on online education due to lack of internet access.

Rohit Dhale from Chatrabharati, a students' organisation, said, "Mobile data recharge is still a luxury for families whose children study in civic-run schools. In most cases, they have smartphones but cannot afford the internet packages. Even if some of them have internet connection, it becomes a problem when multiple children from the same household use a single phone for online studies. Considering the situation, the BMC should provide Rs 1,000 to each student so that they can avail internet connection on their phones." The organisation has written to the BMC regarding the same.

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Pandurang Kengar, secretary of the Mumbai School Principals' Association, said, "The pandemic has led to major academic loss for students, especially those coming from underprivileged sections of the society. In such a situation, the NMMC's decision is welcome. The BMC should do the same as we too have children in Mumbai facing similar problems."