Question : COMPUTER EDUCATION

:

(a) whether the Government have cleared any proposal received from Andhra Pradesh Government for computer education in the State under a central scheme ; and

(b) if so, the details thereof ?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMNT (DR. VALLABHBHAI KATHIRIA)

(a) & (b) : The Department of Secondary and Higher Education has launched a revised Computer Literacy and Studies in Schools (CLASS) in 2001-2002 to promote computer literacy in schools in the country. Under the revised CLASS scheme, financial assistance is being provided to States/Union Territories on the basis of Computer Education Plans (CEPs) submitted by the States/UT’s. The CEPs are examined by the Project Monitoring & Evaluation Group (PM & EG) headed by Secretary (Secondary and Higher Education) and funds are allocated to the States/UTs on recommendations of PM & EG. Grant-in- aid is provided to only Govt. and Govt-aided schools. Union Govt. provides 75% of the total sanctioned amount, subject to a maximum limit of Rs. 5.00 Lakhs per school. The balance 25% is borne by the State Govt./ UTs. The scheme also provides 25% of funds from MPLADs in addition or as an alternative to State Govt. contribution.

A proposal had been received from the State Government of Andhra Pradesh seeking financial assistance of Rs.37.37 crores for imparting computer education in 1000 schools. After examination of the proposal, an amount of Rs.14,01,18,750/- had been sanctioned to the State Government of Andhra Pradesh for imparting computer education in 500 schools. Out of this an amount of Rs.7,00,49,375/- had been released to the State Government as 1st installment during 2001-2002. During 2002-2003 the State Government had approached this Department for release of 2nd installment. But due to paucity of funds, grant could not be released. At present, the revised CLASS scheme has been merged into the new scheme of Information and Communication Technology in Schools` (ICT in Schools). The 2nd installment would be released only after approval of ICT in Schools scheme by the competent authority.