Uttarakhand Expands Sampark TV Smart Schools Initiative to Benefit 2.5 Lakh Children

The Uttarakhand government is expanding the Sampark TV Smart Schools program to 4,337 government schools for the 2024-25 academic year. This initiative, benefiting 2.5 lakh children, will transform traditional classrooms with technology-driven environments. Sampark Foundation, investing INR 75 crore, is partnering with the state to provide 43-inch TVs and educational content.

In a major educational boost, the Uttarakhand government has announced the extension of the Sampark TV Smart Schools program to encompass 4,337 government schools for the 2024-25 academic year. The move aims to revolutionize learning environments by integrating advanced technological tools, directly impacting 2.5 lakh children across the state.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami praised Sampark Foundation for its substantial efforts in improving educational quality. He noted the significance of leveraging modern technology in classrooms and highlighted the 40% improvement in learning outcomes observed in the Champawat pilot project launched in May 2023. Officials like Secretary Education Ravinath Raman, Sampark Foundation's Founder-Chairman Vineet Nayar, and other senior education department executives were present at the program's official launch.

Sampark Foundation, committed to transforming Uttarakhand's education sector, has pledged INR 75 crore to this initiative. Co-founders Vineet and Anupama Nayar expressed their deep connection to the state and their dedication to advancing its educational infrastructure. The foundation will provide each school with 43-inch TV sets and Sampark TV devices preloaded with 1,000 hours of educational content, designed for offline functionality with periodic internet syncing. This technological upgrade aligns with the National Education Policy, aiming to foster critical thinking and creativity among students.

Vineet Nayar stated, "Our mission is to equip teachers with globally recognized pedagogical tools adapted to local requirements. We're committed to making education accessible and impactful for every child in Uttarakhand." The district administration will play a vital role by facilitating teacher training, monitoring progress, and evaluating the program's impact on schools across the state.

Sampark Foundation has committed a total of INR 700 crore towards transforming primary education across India, impacting over 1,20,200 schools in eight states. Their innovative methods have been recognized globally, as evidenced by a Harvard Business School case study on their educational approach.

(With inputs from agencies.)