Maharashtra FYJC aspirants anxious; longest break, say parents
The second merit list for FYJC aspirants was put on hold on September 9, following the Supreme Court's interim stay on Maratha quota. Admissions have been stalled since.
Image used for representational purpose only MUMBAI: With a semester lost, first-year junior college (FYJC) aspirants and their parents are getting anxious with each passing day. Parents of FYJC aspirants said this is the longest break from studies their children have ever experienced in the 12 years of their school life. While some are worried their children may find it difficult to get back to studies once classes commence, others complain of increased exposure to social media in the absence of regular studies.
The second merit list for FYJC aspirants was put on hold on September 9, following the Supreme Court's interim stay on Maratha quota. Admissions have been stalled since. "We tried to convince our son to attend online classes started by the government but he only did that for a few days. I have now enrolled him for online tutorial classes to ensure he studies at least for a couple of hours. We are worried that he won't be able to cope with the studies when classes resume and there would be a lot to study in very little time," said Viral Shah, parent of an arts aspirant. While there are over 17 lakh Class XI students in the state, the latest free classes by the education department have only about one lakh views on YouTube.
Sarang Lakare's child has already secured admission in science in the first round. "Though she has started her coaching for JEE, there is a lot of uncertainty, which is adding to everyone's anxiety. Parents are kept in the dark, there is no communication from the government. We are trying to reach out to the ministers on social media, but there is absolute silence on the issue. Schools across boards have already started sessions for Class XI students, and admissions post Class XII will not wait for Maharashtra students," said Lakare. "For instance, the first phase of JEE 2022 (for this year's batch) will be scheduled in December 2021 and we have already lost six months. What if the state schedule clashes with central exams in future? It is frustrating now."
Parents are also worried about their children's behavioural changes. "Students are already finding it difficult to cope with the pandemic. Putting them through the anxiety of not being able to start their college life will only add to their troubles. The government should make a decision at the earliest in the best interest of children," said psychiatrist Harish Shetty.
Mental health experts also think several students are probably losing their sense of purpose. "With the endless wait for colleges to open and lack of clarity, students are losing focus. Their sleep schedule is affected. There is no purpose in the mornings. Everyone is looking at social media for escape," said psychiatrist Anjali Chhabria. She said parents could engage children in meaningful chores at home. "Get them to clean, cook or exercise." Shetty recommends volunteering to get some life experience.
The second merit list for FYJC aspirants was put on hold on September 9, following the Supreme Court's interim stay on Maratha quota. Admissions have been stalled since. "We tried to convince our son to attend online classes started by the government but he only did that for a few days. I have now enrolled him for online tutorial classes to ensure he studies at least for a couple of hours. We are worried that he won't be able to cope with the studies when classes resume and there would be a lot to study in very little time," said Viral Shah, parent of an arts aspirant. While there are over 17 lakh Class XI students in the state, the latest free classes by the education department have only about one lakh views on YouTube.
Sarang Lakare's child has already secured admission in science in the first round. "Though she has started her coaching for JEE, there is a lot of uncertainty, which is adding to everyone's anxiety. Parents are kept in the dark, there is no communication from the government. We are trying to reach out to the ministers on social media, but there is absolute silence on the issue. Schools across boards have already started sessions for Class XI students, and admissions post Class XII will not wait for Maharashtra students," said Lakare. "For instance, the first phase of JEE 2022 (for this year's batch) will be scheduled in December 2021 and we have already lost six months. What if the state schedule clashes with central exams in future? It is frustrating now."
Parents are also worried about their children's behavioural changes. "Students are already finding it difficult to cope with the pandemic. Putting them through the anxiety of not being able to start their college life will only add to their troubles. The government should make a decision at the earliest in the best interest of children," said psychiatrist Harish Shetty.
Mental health experts also think several students are probably losing their sense of purpose. "With the endless wait for colleges to open and lack of clarity, students are losing focus. Their sleep schedule is affected. There is no purpose in the mornings. Everyone is looking at social media for escape," said psychiatrist Anjali Chhabria. She said parents could engage children in meaningful chores at home. "Get them to clean, cook or exercise." Shetty recommends volunteering to get some life experience.
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