With schools closed for ten days due to the Kanwar Yatra, students without smartphones face major hurdles in online learning. Teachers post assignments on WhatsApp, but many lack reliable access.

Key Takeaways

  • 10‑day school closure ordered for Kanwar Yatra
  • Students without smartphones struggle with online classes
  • Teachers share homework via WhatsApp, but access is limited

From Classroom to Home: New Challenges

In Makanpur, Ghaziabad, 16‑year‑old Ruksana wakes up early to help her mother clean utensils and then tries to study on her own after schools shut for the pilgrimage. A Class‑9 Home Science and Music student, she now relies on the school WhatsApp group, which has been silent since August 3.

Just half a kilometre away, 13‑year‑old Arun Kanojiya of Class 7 describes sharing his father’s button phone to access the group after 3:30 pm. He resorts to ChatGPT for concepts like HCF and LCM, noting that teachers’ picture‑based notes often leave him confused.

Historical Background

The Kanwar Yatra is a massive pilgrimage that draws millions across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. In previous years, similar religious processions have forced schools to close, but the rise of digital learning tools has not kept pace with the needs of underserved students.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that even in urban districts, the digital divide erodes educational equity. When schools are suspended, children lacking personal devices or stable internet fall further behind, widening the achievement gap.

“Bridging the digital divide must become a core policy priority; otherwise, emergency closures will permanently damage a generation’s learning outcomes.” – Education analyst Dr. Anita Singh
Did You Know?: Approximately 30 % of students in Ghaziabad do not own a personal smartphone, limiting their participation in online lessons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: How many schools were closed during this shutdown?

Answer: Around 120 government and private schools in Ghaziabad district were ordered to remain closed from August 4 to August 12.

Question 2: What alternative learning methods did the board provide?

Answer: Most schools posted homework on WhatsApp groups, while a few attempted limited live online classes.