Microsoft to train 4 lakh students in IT in AP

Microsoft Corporation India and the state government signed an MoU for taking up 'Project Shiksha' in the state. This is Microsoft's second MoU with a state government, the first being Uttaranchal. Microsoft and the state government would work towards accelerating the IT literacy in the state.

The programme will reach out to over 4 lakh students in the classes III-XII, and over 20,000 teachers in the government schools over a five-year period.

The MoU was signed by Microsoft India managing director Rajiv Kaul and principal secretary (school education) Microsoft India managing director in the presence of chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Microsoft will set up and run an IT Academy Centre with world-class facilities to impart training in IT to school children as well as teachers.

The chief minister hoped that the project would herald a new era of empowerment of youth particularly student community living in rural, tribal and backward areas.

Kaul said, "we believe that early access to technology for students can contribute significantly towards creating an IT proficient next generation." The project was launched by Microsoft chairman Bill Gates during his visit to India in 2002.