Infotech Project For Schools Launched

In an attempt to take information technology to schools, the government today launched the Vidya Vahini project that proposes to connect 60,000 government-funded senior secondary schools through the Internet and intranet at a cost of Rs 10 lakh per school.

"The programme will provide the schools with computer laboratories to facilitate infotech education, access to the Internet, online library services, academic services, Web broadcast and e-learning," Communications Minister Arun Shourie said.

A pilot project had been undertaken in 140 schools in seven districts, namely Lucknow, Gandhinagar, Allahabad, Hazaribagh, Kuppam, South 24-Praganas and Parlivaijnath.

In each of these districts, 20 government and government-aided schools had been selected in consultation with the state government.

 

In each school, a computer laboratory with hardware worth Rs 10 lakh has been set up.

While the progamme has been developed by the department of information technology, the ministry of human resource development is operating the technological overlay of the existing schemes.

The entire project has been implemented by Ernet India, an autonomous body under the department of information technology.

The content of the curriculum has been provided by Super Infosoft, Vision Info Solution and Jil Information Technology Ltd.

An arrangement has also been made with Intel, Microsoft and the content providers to train teachers in the use of computers, development of course curriculum and Internet access.