PONDA, Oct. 19 -- With the students facing various difficulties with regards to online education especially network connectivity issues, some parents on Sunday demanded that government should declare 2020-21 a "zero academic year" as they felt that online education is not an alternative.

The parents expressed fear that in absence of proper education and with mere promotions, the students would find it difficult to answer Board exams in future as the Central Government has already declared the new education system.

Sandesh Naik, a parent said, "The students are facing various difficulties with regards to online education such as net connectivity, understanding the topic, difficulties in downloading video, assignments, etc. Further, some ...