Lok Sabha Question No. 526 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-06
Subject: Broadband in Tribal Residential Schools
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: GOWDAR MALLIKARJUNAPPA SIDDESHWARA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## (MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS) LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 526 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6.2.2017

## BROADBAND IN TRIBAL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS

## 526. SHRI G.M. SIDDESHWARA:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has any proposal to provide broadband connectivity in tribal residential  schools  to  facilitate  video-conference  facilities  to  provide  better  education  to students;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the State Government of Karnataka has requested the Union Government to set up a training centre in the State to provide training to teachers who are in Integrated Tribal Development  Agencies  (ITDAs)  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  action  taken  by  the Government thereon; and

(d) whether to Government proposes to increase the salary of teaching staff working on contract basis and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI JASWANTSINH BHABHOR)

(a) & (b)  There is no proposal for video-conference facilities through broadband connectivity  in  tribal  residential  schools.  However,  in  order  to  provide  better  access  to education / education, the Government has taken a number of measures for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and e-content in schools as follows:

(i)  Through  ICT  in  schools  scheme  of  Ministry  of  Human  Resources  Development (MHRD), Government provides financial assistance for procurement of computers and peripherals,  educational  software,  training  of  teachers,  development  of  e-contents, Internet connectivity & set up of smart schools. So far, 8273 schools in tribal dominated districts have been covered.

(ii)  Education  and  Research  Network  (ERNET),  an  autonomous  society  under  the administrative control of Ministry of Electronics and IT (MEITY), is also implementing a project of smart classes in 3500 schools in 7 states.

(iii) E-Pathshala has been developed by National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT)  for  showcasing  and  disseminating  all  educational  e-resources including textbooks, audio, video, periodicals and a variety of other print and non-print materials through website and mobile app.

(iv)  MHRD  is  also  providing  educational  content  on  TV  through  Swayam  Prabha programme.

(vi) Based upon demand from States, Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides funds to States under Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan (SCA to TSP) and through grants under article 275(1) of the Constitution for smart classes. On receipt of a proposals from Government  of  Gujarat  and  Government  of  West  Bengal,  the  Ministry  has  provided funds for smrta classes projects in these States.

Some  of  the  States  are  also  implementing  e-education  programmes  in  schools  using space technology.

(c) The Government of Karnataka has not sent any proposal in the Ministry during 201617  for  setting  up  a  training  centre  in  the  State  to  provide  training  to  teachers  who  are  in Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs).

(d) The  administration  and  management  of  tribal  residential  schools  lies  with  the concerned State Government.