Mumbai, Sept. 14 -- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) plan to provide free science and maths lessons through Khan Academy has gotten a weak response since many students do not have access to devices or proper internet connectivity. The programme was expected to help thousands of children from Class 6 to 10 in municipal schools in the city. Data from the department of education says that around 6,500 civic school students have signed up on Khan academy for the free evening math and science classes, but only 3,600 are using the platform. Parents have pointed out that the poor participation is because most children do not have their own mobile phones or tablets, and many households struggle to recharge data packs. In several parts of the city, especially in Mankhurd, Govandi, Agripada, and Kamathipura, poor network coverage has made student participation almost impossible. Parents have welcomed the initiative but said that it would work better if classes were scheduled during school hours. Out of the 135 students registered on Khan Academy at Laxminarayan Keshavrao Waghji School in Parel, only 76 are able to attend the classes. Out of the 72 registered at A. R. Municipal School in Byculla, only 17 are managing to join the classes. At the Mitha Nagar Mumbai Public School only 47% of its 428 students have been attending the classes so far. In many other schools the sessions are yet to begin. Parents from low-income backgrounds are finding it especially hard to cope. A mother from Mankhurd said she works in a hospital and cannot always help her children attend classes on time. A father from Govandi, who works as a labourer, said internet access is unreliable and his children often struggle to understand lessons conducted in English. Another parent explained, "A single 1 GB data pack per day is not enough for two school-going children in the same household." The BMC Shikshak Mahasabha, a teachers association that represents and advocates the rights of civic school teachers, has also expressed concerns over the way the project is being run. In a letter to the education department, the association said the project is adding to the workload and stress of teachers and disturbing regular teaching in schools. The teachers association has demanded that the BMC provide the necessary facilities to students in the school premises. BMC officials have said they are committed to continuing the programme. An education official said the civic body and the education department will find ways to solve the issues and the children's opportunity to learn will not be taken away....