“With the existing digital divide, expanding online education will push the digital havenots to the periphery of the education system, thereby increasing inequity in educational outcomes.”
Protiva Kundu of the Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability on how the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the education inequities of Indian society (scroll.in, May 5)
“It is important to put this on the table: this virus may become just another endemic virus in our communities, and this virus may never go away. There is some magical thinking going on that lockdowns work perfectly and that unlocking lockdowns will go great. Both are fraught with dangers.”
Dr. Mike Ryan, WHO emergencies director in an interview with BBC (May 14)
“By referring the matter back to a committee led by the home ministry, the court has violated all principles of natural justice. It has created a new evil. It implies that the home ministry can be plaintiff, judge, executioner, jury in its own cause. It will not be held to account when it abridges the liberties of Indian citizens.”
Dr. Pratap Bhanu Mehta, former vice chancellor of Ashoka University, on a petition in the Supreme court asking for restoration of 4g access in kashmir ( Indian Express , May 16)
“We have underfunded our public health system and starved it of resources for a long time, a problem that we cannot now fix overnight. I can only hope that we do not forget this mistake once the pandemic passes.”
Dr. Satyajit Rath, former scientist, National institute of immunology, on the rising number of coronavirus cases ( Hindustan times, May 20)
“The Chinese might grow even more prosperous and powerful, and yet China shall never attract the range of friends and admirers in other countries that their great rival, the United States, has, and will.”
Ramchandra Guha, historian and author, on why china will never conquer the world (ndtv.com, May 29)