FM's COVID-19 Plan: PM e-Vidya Programme, online degrees by May 30

New Delhi: The Union Government has announced it will allow the top 100 universities to offer online degree programmes from May 30, 2020. The Centre has also announced the launch of PM e-Vidya Programme for multi-mode access to digital online education.

Nirmala Sitharaman, minister of finance and corporate affairs, during her fifth press conference on economic measures to offer relief during the coronavirus outbreak,

said the PM e-Vidya platform will consist of DIKSHA which will provide one-nation-one-digital- platform facility with a dedicated channel for each class from Class 1 to Class 12.

Sitharaman said that the government has identified three DTH channels of SWAYAM PRABHA to reach out to children who do not have access to the internet, for offering school education. The Centre has requested state governments to share the content of four hours to be broadcast on these channels. It has also identified 12 more channels to offer education.

Education measures

She also announced that there will be provision for the telecast of live interactive sessions on these channels with experts from home through Skype. She also informed that the government has tied up with private DTH operators like Tata Sky and Airtel to air educational video content to enhance the reach of these channels.

The government in coordination with state governments will telecast their educational content on the SWAYAM PRABHA channels.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that DIKSHA platform has had 61 crore hits from 24th March till date and 200 new textbooks added to e-Paathshala.

PM e-Vidya will be multi-mode online programme to be launched immediately to consist of DIKSHA for school education in states and Union territories. Sitharaman said that there will be extensive use of radio, community radio and podcasts and special e-content for visually and hearing impaired. Top 100 universities will be permitted to automatically start online courses by May 30 2020.

Support for students

Sitharaman also said that the government is starting ‘Manodarpan’-An initiative for psychosocial support of students, teachers and families for mental health and emotional well being.

Finance minister also announced that the government will immediately launch a New National Curriculum and Pedagogical framework for school, early childhood and teachers integrated with global and 21st-century skill requirements.

Literacy mission

She also announced the launch of National Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Mission for ensuring that every child attains learning levels and outcomes in Class 5 by 2025 will be launched by December 2020.

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