Digital books, ICT labs: UP to turn nearly 14,000 govt schools into smart schools

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved a Rs 300 crore plan to turn 14,429 primary schools into smart schools. The phased rollout aims to widen digital education with smart classes, ICT labs and tablets for teachers.

In Short

• Plan includes smart classes, ICT labs, digital books and libraries
• Smart classes started in 2021, now expanding with phased approach
• Over 2.61 lakh teachers already given tablets for tech-based learning

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a Rs 300 crore plan to develop 14,429 government primary schools under the Basic Education Council as smart schools.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow. Under the plan, the selected schools will get smart classes in a phased manner to expand digital education across government schools in the state.

Students at these schools will have access to smart classes, ICT labs, digital books and digital libraries. Teachers will also use tablets as part of the technology-based learning system.

The government has approved 300 crore for the initiative and has designated Shri Tron India Limited as the implementing agency for setting up the smart classes. The installation work will be carried out through competitive tendering.

The proposed rate has been fixed at 2,07,910 per school, including sanitation charges and GST. If the tender process results in a lower rate, the government can use the remaining amount within the 300 crore limit to cover more schools.

The state already operates smart classes in more than 32,000 schools. More than 15,000 schools also have ICT lab facilities, while 1,129 schools have been provided with digital library facilities.

The government has also provided tablets to more than 2.61 lakh teachers across Uttar Pradesh.

Smart classes in Uttar Pradesh's primary schools began in 2021, while their formal operation started from the 2022-23 academic session. The new smart school plan will further expand the reach of digital education in government schools.

The government will expand smart classes and ICT lab facilities in phases based on student numbers and enrolment. The initiative focusses on providing children in government schools with modern, quality and technology-based education.

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