PM eVidya Programme: India’s Drive To Promote e-learning Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

PM eVidya Programme: So, what is it practically about? PM eVidya Programme is a Government initiative to provide online education to students across the nation during COVID-19 lockdown. The measure is initiated to ensure that the education of children across the country is not compromised due to the enforced nationwide lockdown to curb the coronavirus outbreak. The objective and strategy of the PM eVidya Programme were announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, 17th May 2020. The proposal of PM eVidya is significant as it is the 5th and the final proportion of the Rs. 20-lakh crore allowance distributed for the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been confirmed that the Government has undertaken various measures to facilitate online education throughout the country during the prolonged lockdown. Multiple privileges are confirmed to be developed and the same will be delivered under the PM eVidya Programme.

The main purpose of the proposal is to facilitate online education for the standards K-12 through web-enabled platforms in the metropolitan area. Whereas the rural areas are concerned, the class lessons will be delivered through designated TV channels. As per the PM eVidya Scheme, 12 new DTH Channels will be launched for the same. Each channel will be committed to providing lessons for classes 1 to 12. Other than these, there are many more benefits embodied in the PM eVidya Programme.

PM eVidya Programme: Important things you need to know

#1. PM eVidya Programme is a digitally driven initiative that ensures to spread and deliver learning to each student through digital platforms.

#2. As per the scheme, esteemed 100 universities across the country will be authorized to commence online courses from 30th May 2020.

#3. The CBSE’s learning platform Diksha will be extended in all the States and Union Territories for ensuring access to school education.

#4. Under one nation – one digital platform drive, standard contents including QR coded digital textbooks will be provided for classes 1 to 12.

#5. 12 new DTH channels will be launched. Each will be designated for broadcasting lessons for classes 1 to 12. This initiative is proposed likewise in order to provide education to students residing in rural areas without access to the internet.

#6. Based on one class one channel initiative, each class (from 1 to 12) will have one dedicated channel.

#7. Furthermore, the use of radio, community radio, podcasts would be widely used for delivering educational content based on the subject and syllabus.

#8. A special e-contents would be developed and provided for visually and hearing-impaired students.

#9. Under Manodarpan drive, psychological support during the pandemic will be extended to students, teachers, and parents. This initiative exclusively focuses on helping them deal with mental health issues like stress, anxiety, depression and further ensure the emotional well being of each during the lockdown.

#10. Also, the experts will conduct live interactive sessions via Skype.

#11. New National Curriculum instructing framework will be initiated and integrated with 21st-century global skill provisions for teachers, parents, and academies.

#12. National Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Mission will be introduced by 2020 December. It ensures that every child attains learning levels and impacts in grade 5 by 2025.

#13. PM eVidya initiative ensures to put in 200 new textbooks on e-pathshala.

Also Read: This is how Inspiria is keeping the desire to learn alive via online classes

Objectives Of PM eVidya Program

With the millions of students being forced to stay at home due to coronavirus pandemic and closure of educational institutions, the declaration of PM eVidya appears as a boon. The scheme focuses on providing online classes to students as the lockdown seems to extend endlessly. The prime objective of this proposal is to provide education through various digital platforms so that the learning of the students is not jeopardized.