FM Nirmala Sitharaman On Online Education During COVID 19

The impact of Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic is changing many things, including the way of school education. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced PM eVidya Program, multi-mode access of digital/ online education. PM eVidya programme is likely to be available by May 30. She emphasized the importance of technology-driven systems - online education during Coronavirus. Explore the highlights of FM Sitaraman press conference focusing on the education sector.

PM eVidya Programme

The programme is for multi-mode access to digital/ online education. PM eVidya to be launched soon. It consists of

DIKSHA for school education in states/UTs - e-content and QR coded energized textbooks for all grades (one nation, one digital platform).
One earmarked TV channel per class from 1 to 12 (one class, one channel)
Extensive use of Radio, Community Radio and Podcasts
Special e-content for visually and hearing impaired.
Top 100 Universities will be permitted to start online courses by May 30, 2020.

FM Sitaraman Highlights

Manodarpan - Initiative for psychological support of students, teachers and families for mental health and emotional wellbeing.
New National Curriculum and Pedagogical framework for school, early childhood and teachers to be launched soon.
SWAYAM PRABHA DTH channels to support and reach those who do not have access to the internet. 12 channels to be added
Provisions made to telecast live interactive sessions on these channels with experts from home through Skype.
Tied up with private DTH operators such as Airtel and Tata Sky to air educational video content to enhance the reach of these channels
Coordination with states of India to share air time (4 hrs daily) on the SWAYAM PRABHA channels to telecast their education related content.
DIKSHA platform has had 61 crore hits from March 24 till today.
In e-Paathasaala, 200 new textbooks added.

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