ERROR 2022 ??? | Goemkarponn

Goemkarponn desk
PORVORIM: United Opposition today slammed and cornered the state government led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant over failure to resolve connectivity issue needed for online education.
“The basic network for internet connectivity in all parts of Goa is already in place. Why can’t GBBN (Goa Broadband network) be strengthened to provide internet; Policy for erecting towers is not in place; our people are scared of mobile towers, but why is CMO Goa imposing?” Khaunte questioned
He further said that online education and the health of our people are a priority. I fail to understand why Dr. Pramod Sawant wants to create more fear and anxiety in such difficult times.
MGP MLA Sudin Dhavalikar said that students living in remote pockets in the state were left high and dry with no mobile connectivity, especially in hilly terrain like Sanguem, Quepem, Sattari, etc.
“One of the issues which we raised was the lack of infrastructure to conduct online education. Students are suffering because they simply cannot access the internet in many parts of Goa,” Dhavalikar, former deputy CM, said.
He pointed out that as per the government’s circular, students must pursue online education, but the same government has failed to ensure that the students have the facilities to access e-classes.
Dhavalikar further recalled that the CM had in the Assembly, assured to ensure that all constituencies have internet connectivity and that students from rural areas would be given smartphones to help them study online.
Sudin also criticised rival parties for damaging cables of Wi-Fi systems installed by their party members that were providing free and reliable internet service for the student community.
Digambar Kamat, leader of opposition in the Assembly said that many students face hardship in participating in online classes due to poor internet connectivity in the state.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the Goa government has signed an MoU with ed-tech platform Jio Embibe for adaptive learning based on the Artificial Intelligence for the students, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told the House.
“Most video conferencing platforms like Google Meet Webex JIO meet, etc., have extended their services during pandemic free of cost. Hence, there was a freedom to teachers and students to choose the best platform with different control and connectivity features,” he added.
According to fresh amendments to the Goa Telecom Infrastructure Policy 2020, which were cleared by the state cabinet, companies setting up towers in rural areas will only have to pay 10 per cent of the monthly rent for five years and 25 per cent of the rentals after the first five year period.
Currently, mobile companies have to shell out Rs 50,000 per month to set up mobile telephony towers on government property.