Lucknow: After UP cabinet approval, the basic education department has issued a govt order on upgrading 14,429 primary schools across the state into ‘smart’ ones, making them well-equipped for quality education to children. The total cost of the project is Rs 300 crore.The GO, issued by special secretary, basic education, Awadesh Kumar Tiwari, states that under the project, schools will be equipped with modern interactive teaching systems, including will 65-inch interactive flat panel displays with 4K resolution, computing devices, learning management software, and curriculum-based digital educational content.Shreetron India Limited has been shortlisted as the implementing agency for the project. The procurement of the equipment will be done through a centralized mechanism to ensure uniform quality standards and efficient deployment across participating schools. Govt will spend around Rs 2.08 lakh per school.According to officials, the initiative will bridge the digital divide and make classroom instruction more engaging, interactive, and effective for students studying in primary grades.The digital content will be aligned with NCERT and SCERT Uttar Pradesh curricula for Classes I to V and will feature interactive videos, animations, worksheets, assessments, and analytics tools. Schools will also receive broadband connectivity of at least 30 Mbps along with teacher training and capacity-building programmes.According to the proposal, the smart classroom ecosystem will include teacher training, installation support, maintenance services, warranty coverage, and a dedicated helpdesk system. “These measures are expected to ensure smooth operation of the technology infrastructure and enhance teachers’ ability to use digital tools effectively in classroom teaching,” said an official.Turning primary schools into smart ones was one of the promises BJP made in its Sankalp Patra ahead of 2022 UP polls. The schools, said officials, have been selected based on the enrolments. “This is the first time that primary schools are being equipped with smart classrooms. The idea is to support teachers by adding digital resources that make learning more engaging and enjoyable,” an official said.
