COVID-19: FTII students demand suspension of 2020 batch's online classes
The students' association of Pune-based FTII has sought immediate suspension of online classes for the 2020 batch students, saying that it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to attend classes due to the challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis. The FTII Students Association (FSA) has also sought a meeting with the institute's chairman Shekhar Kapur to express their concerns.
FTII has asked students to continue with the classes
The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) administration said that online classes are going on only for one batch. It also made it clear that online classes will continue to be held for the duration they are planned. In a release, the FSA said, "FTII administration has been enforcing mandatory online classes for the newly-admitted 2020 batch students."
FTII chairman Mr. Shekhar Kapur reluctant to meet us: FSA
The students had raised concern over online classes, but the FTII administration had made them mandatory, which is in violation of the attendance criteria mentioned in the UGC guidelines for online classes. "FTII chairman Mr. Shekhar Kapur is reluctant to meet us and has given us a date 11 days later from now for a meeting to discuss our urgent concerns," the release said.
COVID-19 is draining people mentally and financially: Students
"We are sad and concerned to state that students, faculties, staff members, and families are getting affected not just by COVID-19, but also by financial and mental health issues associated with it. People are struggling to avail medical facilities.," FSA's release said.
Becoming increasingly difficult for students to attend classes: FSA
The students are from different parts of the country and it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to attend classes amid this health crisis, the release said. The FSA demanded that the FTII chairman should meet them at the earliest and understand the concerns in view of the devastating phase of the pandemic to bring in an immediate suspension of the online classes.
FTII administration is doing everything to help students: Director Kainthola
Meanwhile, FTII Director Bhupendra Kainthola said, "Students have asked that the classes should continue. Connectivity issues are there, but students are regular and in direct contact with their teachers." "FTII administration is also helping the students. For instance, in the case of a student from Kargil, at the request of FTII, the Ladakh administration is facilitating the student with venue and connectivity," he added.
Review/recap session planned for Saturdays: Kainthola
"In case students miss a lecture or a session, a review or recap session is planned on Saturdays. Teachers are ready to help them by phone or e-mail. When on campus, a recap or review of these online sessions would also be made," Kainthola said.
