Syllabus: GS-III & V: Infrastructure

Why in the News?

The Children in India 2025 report by MoSPI highlights a major rise in internet connectivity in Assam’s schools. From just 13.7% in 2015-16, internet availability has reached 53.8% in 2023-24, marking a crucial step toward digital equity, NEP 2020 implementation, and preparing students for a knowledge-driven economy.

Status of Schools with Internet Connectivity

– 2015-16: 13.7% schools connected
– 2019-20: 22.6% schools connected
– 2022-23: 34.6% schools connected
– 2023-24: 53.8% schools connected

Assam’s School Profile (2024-25)

– Total schools: 55,283
– Foundational & Preparatory: 35,866
– Middle: 9,116
– Secondary: 10,301
– Libraries: 51,763
– Computer facilities: 43,515
– Functional electricity: 49,092
– Drinking water: 54,167
– Girls’ toilets: 52,065

Significance of Internet Connectivity

– **Digital Learning**: Enables e-classrooms, DIKSHA, SWAYAM.
– **Bridging Divides**: Reduces rural-urban digital gaps.
– **NEP 2020**: Supports digital pedagogy and assessments.
– **Skill Development**: Prepares youth for digital job markets.
– **Research & Innovation**: Encourages learning beyond textbooks.

Challenges

– Erratic electricity in remote areas.
– Poor network in hill/char regions.
– High device costs for students.
– Digital divide due to language/teacher capacity gaps.
– Weak maintenance of ICT infrastructure.

Steps Taken

– **BharatNet**: Fibre-optic connectivity to gram panchayats.
– **Digital India**: Smart classrooms, ICT labs.
– **NEP 2020 Assam**: ICT integration in curriculum.
– **State Initiatives**: Power supply improvements, ICT tools distribution.
– **CSR/PPP**: Private partnerships for digital classrooms.

Way Forward

– Universal internet access by 2030.
– Teacher training in digital pedagogy.
– Subsidised devices for low-income students.
– E-content in Assamese and tribal languages.
– ICT maintenance cells at district level.

Conclusion

Assam’s rapid progress in digital connectivity offers transformative potential, but rural access, affordability, and teacher readiness remain challenges. Inclusive strategies—combining infrastructure, digital literacy, and public-private partnerships—can ensure equitable, meaningful digital learning, in line with NEP 2020’s vision.

Mains Question

“The rapid expansion of internet facilities in schools marks a transformative step in Assam’s education sector. Discuss its significance in the context of NEP 2020 while examining the challenges and suggesting measures to ensure equitable digital learning across the State.” (250 words)