Computer-based education project for schools

A computer-based education project will be implemented in 1,880 higher secondary schools and 461 high schools over the next five years.

As part of the project, which will be implemented on ‘Build-Own-Operate-Transfer' basis, the government has allocated Rs. 31.21 crore as the first instalment, an official press release said here on Sunday.

The project would be a continuation of the IT literacy programme in schools, where computers would be supplied to high school students, according to an official.

The government has also ordered release of Rs.26.70 lakh as the first instalment towards starting ‘smart schools' in five government higher secondary schools in the State.

Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had ordered introduction of the facility at the school at R. Pudupalayam in Namakkal district, Government Girls Higher Secondary School at Periyakulam in Theni district, Government Higher Secondary School at Veeracholan in Virudhunagar district and the Government Girls Higher Secondary Schools at Palani in Dindigul district and Melur in Madurai district at a cost of Rs.1.25 crore in the first phase. Of this sum, the first instalment is being released.

Besides this, the government has accorded permission for starting the schools at the Government Higher Secondary Schools at Thirusendurai, Ayilapettai, Somarasampettai, Ettarai and Inamkulathur in Tiruchirappalli district at a cost of Rs.1.25 crore.

With a view to preventing dropouts and facilitating unhindered learning, the Chief Minister had already ordered upgrading of primary schools as middle schools and middle schools as high schools. As middle schools had been made high schools, the post of a secondary grade teacher in 1,040 downgraded primary schools be upgraded as headmaster. Also, the posts of 544 laboratory assistant and 344 junior assistant would be created in the 544 upgraded high schools, the release said.