If it’s to ask what precious has been affected by the Covid pandemic, the answer would be ‘Education’ – the only thing that probably can never be secured in the region of Jammu and Kashmir. The outbreak and the rise of Covid-19 have propelled the mutilation of the already disfeatured system of education in the valley. With the introduction of the concept of online classes, the matter has hit the skids. Though meant for the purpose of assisting the student community, the concept has added to their difficulties. It has been observed that the online concept of classes has many deficiencies; unavailability of gadgets/internet, copying of assignments, no homework, no hard work, online examinations (which is to hoax them), and the like. Education in the valley is being dealt with as yet another failed system prevailing in the society, not as it should be. Studies have become a nightmare for some of the students and a dream for others. The culture of reading printed books is losing its appeal and attracts lesser students. The libraries at the institutions are gathering dust. Students have forgotten how to hold a pencil or a pen in their hands when almost everything is happening online. The initiation of Radio classes won’t help either. Hence, the online culture has downsized the quality of education in the valley. This has laid low with the morals of the children who were once a sensed lot, now behave nonsensically. Even if the students are to be provided a full-day online classroom, it won’t be competent enough for offline face-to-face classes. Traditionally, all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy, what would all play and no work makes him? A mere toy!
