Parliament Question: Internet Connectivity Impact on Digital Teaching

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION AND LITERACY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5850 ANSWERED ON 30/03/2026 Internet Connectivity Impact on Digital Teaching †5850. Shri Aditya Yadav: Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware that digital teaching efforts in Badaun district, Uttar Pradesh are ineffective due to poor Internet connectivity, lack of equipments and incapability of teachers in technology aided teaching thereby widening the urban-rural digital divide and limiting students access to modern educational resources; (b) if so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in the said districts to strengthen internet connectivity, providing cost-effective equipments and capacity building of teachers through structured training and support and strengthening monitoring system along with the timeline for its completion; and (c) if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY) (a) to (c): Education is part of the Concurrent List of the Constitution and most of the Government schools are under the administration of the State Government and its bodies. The Ministry of Education implements ICT and Digital initiatives under Samagra Shiksha to enhance digital learning in Government schools across the country, including the State of Uttar Pradesh. As informed by the State of Uttar Pradesh, in the district of Badaun, digital teaching has been implemented in an effective manner. To address the digital divide, steps has been taken under Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI scheme to strengthen digital learning infrastructure. In the district of Badaun, there are 36 PM SHRI schools (Govt:34, KVS: 1 and NVS: 1). Of the 36, 17 are Primary, 13 are Upper Primary and 4 are Higher Secondary schools. All the schools across the State are also provided with Tablets, equipped with internet connection. These digital setups have helped in providing quality education to all the students in accordance with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Through Samagra Shiksha, 25 ICT Labs, 17 Smart Classrooms have been setup in the district of Badaun. The Government of India, in the Budget 2025, has announced provision of broadband connectivity to all Government Secondary schools in rural areas including schools from Uttar Pradesh, under the ‘BharatNet’ project to enhance digital infrastructure in remote areas by BSNL in a phased manner. To ensure smooth operation of Smart Classes, Rs. 12,000 per school is provided for internet connection on an annual basis.In addition to Samagra Shiksha, the State is also strengthening infrastructure in schools through Project Alankaar (a State initiative). Establishment of Science Labs, ICT labs and Smart Classrooms, use of DIKSHA platform and PM eVidya for digital learning is supported for ensuring digital education in the classrooms. Teachers are also trained in online and offline mode on regular basis through platforms like DIKSHA and SCERT-led programmes on use of e-content, digital pedagogy, effective use of ICT in classrooms, smart devices and cyber safety. *************