Efforts being made to introduce e-learning in schools in a big way: Akhtar

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 1: Reiterating his commitment to rejuvenate the State’s education system, Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar today said conscious and concerted efforts are being made to introduce e-learning in schools in a big way. He said small beginnings have already been made in this direction, adding that there is also need to create e-environment in the State to increase and expand computer literacy and job-intensive knowledge.
The Minister was speaking at a function organised in connection with the inauguration of Smart Classroom at National Institute of Electronic & Information Technology (NIELIT) here. The function was organised in connection with the celebration of ‘Digital India Week’.
Addressing a largely attended gathering, the Minister said that while there has been considerable and impressive development of human resource in ICT sector in the State, the infrastructure development has failed to keep the pace. He said requisite infrastructure development could have facilitated professionals to showcase their talent, earn livelihood and also contribute to the economic growth of the State.
The Minister said that personally, he felt motivated and driven to push for an IT Policy in the Government so that IT finds actual application in delivery of systems, facilities, amenities and services, and in introducing transparency in Government business, ensuring good governance and also as an independent economic activity.
Spelling out the schemes taken up in the School Education Department for enhancing digital/computer literacy, the Minister said that under RMSA, 200 schools across the State have been brought under ICT scheme for providing computer labs @ Rs 6.40 lakh per school, for which NIELIT will be providing assistance. He said, similarly under SSA 700 schools have already been provided systems for Computer Aided Learning (CAL).
The Minister further said that under the National Digital Literacy Mission over one lakh youth will be trained for basic IT skills and under the Electronic System Design Mission (ESDM), as many as 15000 youth are to be trained in various skill based courses.
Earlier, Director NIELIT, gave an overview of various initiatives, projects and activities being carried out by the organization.
MD, SIDCO, Kifayat Rizvi, Director NIELIT, A. H. Moon and Joint Director, School Education, Kashmir, Syed Abid Rashid besides other officers, faculty and students were also present on the occasion.

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