Maharashtra Govt Schools Struggle To Bridge Digital Divide
Maharashtra Govt Schools Struggle To Bridge Digital Divide ( Representative Image )
A recent report by the Union Ministry of Education has revealed a stark digital divide between government and private schools in Maharashtra. The data, collected from the UDISE plus reports for 2022-23 and 2023-24, shows that private unaided schools have made significant progress in integrating technology, while government schools continue to struggle.
The report found that only 54% of government schools have internet facilities, compared to 92% of private unaided schools. This disparity is further exacerbated by the lack of basic digital tools in government schools. While private schools have made significant investments in digital infrastructure, government schools are struggling to maintain even the most basic digital facilities.
Experts have attributed this disparity to systemic neglect and a lack of investment in digital infrastructure. “The government must address this disparity by strengthening internet infrastructure in schools,” said Shamshuddin Attar, headmaster of a school in Sindhudurg. “Children should have access to online resources, video-based learning, and interactive educational tools and games.”
The data also reveals that government schools are lagging behind in terms of computer facilities, smart classrooms, and other digital infrastructure. While private schools have made significant investments in these areas, government schools are struggling to keep up.
Mahendra Ganpule, spokesperson for the Maharashtra School Principals Association while speaking to a publication highlighted the challenges faced by government schools in maintaining digital infrastructure. “Government schools don’t have the money for internet and maintenance,” he said. “The non-salary grant, frozen since 2008, is still calculated as a percentage of the fifth pay commission-based annual salary for each school.” This amount is minuscule when compared to the inflation and expenses,” he stated while he spoke to the Times Of India.
The digital divide between government and private schools in Maharashtra is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. The government must invest in digital infrastructure and provide adequate funding to government schools to bridge this gap and ensure that all students have access to quality education.
