NGO requests Prasar Bharati to telecast academic programmes

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 10

After reports that several private higher education institutions have requested DTH service providers to telecast study material, city-based educator Kulwant Singh Ankhi has urged the authorities to adopt a similar approach in the state.

Ankhi, who is also the patron of an NGO, Amritsar Vikas Manch, has written to the Director General, Doordarshan, and officials of Prasar Bharati in this regard. He has requested them to start telecasting programmes related to the syllabus of all classes for the lockdown period. He said most private and some government schools have begun online teaching, but many students are facing issues as their families are unable to buy them smartphones.

“The e-classes are being held through various applications and tools, but not all parents have the money to buy their children smartphones. The exposure of primary and middle class students to smartphones will affect their health,” he said.

He added that channels such as DD Bio Science, DD Economics, DD Chemical Engineering, DD Social Sciences, DD Mathematics, DD Physics, DD Chemistry, DD Higher Secondary and a private channel named TV School telecast programmes general studies. “But the content is not in line with NCERT books, which are taught in all schools across the country. Most state boards have followed the CBSE syllabus.”

Meanwhile, the District Education Office is already exploring the option of televised classes for schools affiliated to the Punjab School Education Board as a survey is being carried out to solicit suggestions from students. “The survey is being conducted to know the feasibility of such a plan. If most students watch the televised classes, it will definitely have better reach and results,” said Rekha Mahajan, Deputy DEO, Amritsar.