Sikkim: Former CM Chamling urges State Govt to help students amid pandemic; read his suggestions here

GANGTOK: Former Chief Minister and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) president Pawan Chamling has released a statement regarding the problems faced by students due to the pandemic.

Stating that a whole generation is facing a 'massive, unprecedented and damaging loss', he said that 'it is very sad to note that the government is ignoring any advice from outside the government.'

"Their arrogance is aggravating the pandemic. Our advice mustn’t be taken politically. This is advice for the welfare of our people. The government must be humble enough to accept the mistakes that have happened and embrace good suggestions. We should be willing to do anything that will improve the situation," he stated.

Chamling also put forth a set of suggestions to the State government, urging it to adopt the same.

To remedy the situation, Chamling said, the state government must constitute a committee to study the losses faced by students and their grievances.

"The committee, unlike the Economic Revival Committee that was formed earlier, must comprise dedicated and able professionals. The losses and grievances faced by students are complicated and need serious study. The committee can come up with actionable recommendations as soon as possible. It is unfortunate that the state government has been directionless," he further advised.

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He further added that the state government has to prioritize the immediate vaccination of students from X and above within the next one month with an aim to reopen schools for them from July. Lower classes can be reopened in a phased manner.

The Sikkim Government must start lobbying with the Centre to get Pfizer (vaccine) for Sikkim students from Class X and above, he added.

He further added that the HRDD has to form a team comprising able academicians, educationists and teachers to devise ‘remedial strategies’ to help students cope with this unprecedented situation. "Even when regular classes restart, many students will need remedial classes. Remedial classes have to be professionally designed to help students compensate for the losses they incurred during online classes," he wrote further.

The Sikkim Government must direct the mobile phone network operators in the state to ensure better connectivity in the state. Students have been complaining of poor connectivity which is hampering their online classes. Many students have either never joined or stopped joining online classes due to poor connectivity. They have been complaining for one year and the government hasn’t listened to their cries.

"The government must initiate a process to start assessing the mental health issues, particularly of students. Psychologists all around the world have been asking governments to take this issue seriously. We have a huge responsibility to help students cope with Covid-pandemic related mental stress and all levels of depression. I suggest the government to form a team of able psychological professionals and doctors," he finished.

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