Question : Broadband in Tribal Residential Schools

(a) whether the Government has any proposal to provide broadband connectivity in tribal residential schools to facilitate video-conference facilities to provide better education to students;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the State Government of Karnataka has requested the Union Government to set up a training centre in the State to provide training to teachers who are in Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs) and if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government thereon; and

(d) whether to Government proposes to increase the salary of teaching staff working on contract basis and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI JASWANTSINH BHABHOR)

(a) & (b) There is no proposal for video-conference facilities through broadband connectivity in tribal residential schools. However, in order to provide better access to education / education, the Government has taken a number of measures for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and e-content in schools as follows:
(i) Through ICT in schools scheme of Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD), Government provides financial assistance for procurement of computers and peripherals, educational software, training of teachers, development of e-contents, Internet connectivity & set up of smart schools. So far, 8273 schools in tribal dominated districts have been covered.
(ii) Education and Research Network (ERNET), an autonomous society under the administrative control of Ministry of Electronics and IT (MEITY), is also implementing a project of smart classes in 3500 schools in 7 states.
(iii) E-Pathshala has been developed by National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for showcasing and disseminating all educational e-resources including textbooks, audio, video, periodicals and a variety of other print and non-print materials through website and mobile app.
(iv) MHRD is also providing educational content on TV through Swayam Prabha programme.
(vi) Based upon demand from States, Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides funds to States under Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan (SCA to TSP) and through grants under article 275(1) of the Constitution for smart classes. On receipt of a proposals from Government of Gujarat and Government of West Bengal, the Ministry has provided funds for smrta classes projects in these States.
Some of the States are also implementing e-education programmes in schools using space technology.

(c) The Government of Karnataka has not sent any proposal in the Ministry during 2016-17 for setting up a training centre in the State to provide training to teachers who are in Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs).
(d) The administration and management of tribal residential schools lies with the concerned State Government.