Mangaluru: Welcoming the Karnataka government’s ban on online classes up to class V, former minister U T Khader demanded that all education apps that offer online coaching should also be banned.

The government is in a hurry to discuss about online classes even before SSLC examinations have been conducted. “Make necessary arrangements for children to appear for their examinations without fear. Let the government discuss about online courses after holding SSLC examinations. I welcome the government’s decision of banning online classes up to class V. I would like to know why education apps of corporate companies are allowed to continue when schools are banned from conducting online classes. Why has the government not banned education apps that offer online classes? Private schools in the state may commence their online classes through such apps of corporate companies if the present situation continues,” Khader said.

Not all parents in the state can afford buying smartphones required for online classes, he said. “Only 30% of the schoolchildren in the state have access to smartphones. Most of the parents cannot afford to buy smartphones for their children. The government should take into consideration the mental stress being endured by academically brilliant children from poor families. Such children may fall prey to depression when they do not have access to online classes. The government can cancel some of the schemes like distribution of bicycles, and reserve such funds to find solutions to the problems faced by poor students,” Khader said.