JOIN USOne of the popular programmes of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, computerisation of government schools, is facing new obstacles after a successful start.
The three year warranty period of computers installed in 54 schools of the district has expired and now Annual Maintenance Cost (AMC) is expected to be provided from the government.
According to data the fund being provided by the State government is insufficient to meet the AMC.
The State government has installed computers in 106 schools of the district till date. In 2002-03, eight computers were installed in five schools of Belthangadi taluk while in 2003- 04, five computers were provided in five schools of Bantwal taluk with the help of WIPRO (Ajim Premji Foundation).
In 2004-05, the government has installed 50 computers in 20 schools of seven blocks of the district with the help of SOGO Company. In 2006-07, 24 schools of the district got five computers each from WIPRO technologies.
‘Fund is not enough’
Speaking to the Deccan Herald Assistant Project Coordinator Peetamber said that, government has released Rs 89,700 (Rs 1,500 per school) for the maintenance of computers in 54 schools of the district. “We demanded for Rs 12, 00,000 for the purpose, but government clearly said that it will not be able to give more money this year.
So we have to manage with school funds or School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMC) will have to use some other funds. Meeting had been called and all SDMCs were informed about the matter,” he said.
He informed that Rs, 89,700 will be given to WIPRO Company within June, 2012 for the repair of computers in 24 schools (five computers in each school).
Computer aided learning
“Sarva Shiksha Abhiyana is planning to computerise another 12 schools this academic year. We give first preference to cluster resource centre schools (total number of the clusters in the district is 114) for the installation of computers. “The main intention of providing computers is to motivate computer based learning than just computer education. Students of 5, 6, 7 and 8th (only in some schools) standard get at least two hours of class in a week (3 to 5 students in a group),” Peetamber informed.
However many schools have to wait till next budget for maintenance fund.
If government provides proper fund early it would be a great advantage for the children.