Himachal Pradesh has introduced a new education scheme, equipping 124 PM SHRI schools with digital classrooms and libraries. Valued at over ₹13 crore, the initiative, backed by BECIL and Samagra Shiksha, aims to enhance learning through technology, ensuring access to modern tools and digital fluency for students across the state.
Himachal’s Bold Step Toward Digital Education
In a significant push to modernize education, the Himachal Pradesh government has launched an ambitious scheme to establish digital classrooms and libraries in 124 PM SHRI schools across the state. The initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL) and Samagra Shiksha, Government of Himachal Pradesh, is valued at over ₹13 crore. This move aligns with the state’s broader vision to integrate technology into education, fostering digital fluency and preparing students for a tech-driven future.
The project focuses on equipping selected schools with advanced digital infrastructure, including smart boards, interactive displays, and access to digital libraries. These tools aim to transform traditional classrooms into dynamic learning environments, enabling teachers to deliver engaging, multimedia-based lessons. The initiative is part of the PM SHRI (Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India) scheme, which emphasizes quality education and innovation in government schools.
According to sources, the digital classrooms will provide students with access to e-learning platforms, virtual labs, and digital resources, bridging the gap between rural and urban education. This is particularly crucial in Himachal Pradesh, where geographical challenges often limit access to quality educational resources. The digital libraries will offer a vast repository of e-books, journals, and educational videos, ensuring students can explore subjects beyond traditional textbooks.
The state’s Education Minister, Rohit Thakur, highlighted the scheme’s potential to revolutionize learning. “This is a step toward making Himachal a leader in education. By integrating technology, we are equipping our students with skills for the 21st century,” he said during a recent press conference. The initiative comes on the heels of Himachal’s impressive climb from 21st to 5th in the Performance Grading Index (PGI) for school education, reflecting the state’s commitment to educational reforms.
BECIL, a public sector enterprise known for its expertise in technology-driven projects, will oversee the implementation, ensuring seamless integration of hardware and software. The project also includes training programs for teachers to effectively utilize digital tools, addressing the digital divide among educators. This is critical, as a recent Ministry of Education report noted that only 51% of Indian schools have functional computers, and 53% have internet access, underscoring the need for such initiatives in rural areas.
The scheme has been praised for its potential to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Experts believe that digital classrooms can personalize education, allowing students to learn at their own pace through interactive content. Additionally, the initiative aligns with national efforts to promote digital literacy, a key component of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
However, challenges remain. Ensuring reliable internet connectivity in remote areas of Himachal Pradesh and maintaining the infrastructure will be critical to the scheme’s success. The state government has assured that it is working with telecom providers to address connectivity issues and has allocated funds for regular maintenance of the digital systems.
This initiative follows other recent educational advancements in Himachal Pradesh, such as the introduction of English as a medium of instruction from Grade 1 and the closure of 1,160 non-functional schools to optimize resources. The state’s focus on evidence-based governance and administrative rationalization has already yielded results, with Himachal topping the ASER 2024 rankings for reading and learning.
As the digital classroom project rolls out, it is expected to set a benchmark for other states, showcasing how technology can transform education in resource-constrained settings. The government plans to expand the initiative to more schools in the coming years, aiming to create a fully digital-ready education system by 2030.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements from the Himachal Pradesh government and BECIL. Information has been sourced from credible outlets, including posts on X and web reports. Readers are advised to verify details through official channels for the latest updates.