Unable to join online classes, girl kills self
She was upset as TV in their home was out of order
Malappuram: As schools in Kerala started online classes on Monday morning, a young girl in Malappuram district despaired. She had neither a TV nor a smartphone. In the afternoon, the Class 10 student went missing from her house. Her charred body was found from a deserted spot near her home around 3.30 pm. The girl, said to be a good student, set herself on fire, said the police. Kerala education minister C. Raveendranath has sought a report from district-level education officials on this tragic incident. ■
A 14-year-old dalit girl committed suicide in Malappuram district of Kerala as she couldn’t attend the online classes because of lack of facilities at home.
According to the victim Devika’s parents, the girl was dejected as the TV in their home was out of order and she had no access to smartphone or internet. Her father Balakrishnan, who is a daily wager, could not get the TV repaired because of a shortage of money.
The girl set herself ablaze near the house. A suicide note was also recovered from her home in which she reportedly wrote: “I am leaving.”
“I told her not to worry we will get the TV repaired and she might even get a tab from school. Teachers liked her a lot and used to say she is brilliant,” said Balakrishnan, Devika’s father.
Local MLA Abid Hussain Thangal said the tragic incident could have been avoided had the authorities taken steps before starting online classes. Over 4 lakh students have no access to online classes, he said and demanded compensation for the family.
According to local panchayat president, they were in the process of collecting details of students who required support.
Meanwhile, Education Minister C Raveendranath has sought a report from the district education officer. He said facilities will be provided to all students.
Rahul Gandhi to provide TV, smartphones and laptops to tribal kids:
Wayanad MP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has offered to make arrangements for tribal kids in the district who do not have access to TV, smartphone and internet. In a letter to Wayanad Collector, Mr Gandhi offered to provide these facilities and sought details of tribal kids who require the help.
He has also sought Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s help to provide assistance to the kids.
“I have received reports about the challenges faced by tribal students in accessing digital classrooms and other initiatives rolled out under the “First Bell” initiative. Online classes pose significant challenges for students with limited access to smartphones, computers and reliable internet connections,” Mr Gandhi said.