FM Nirmala Sitharaman announces measures for education sector, 12 new Swayam DTH channels, online courses by Top 100 Universities to be introduced

FM Announces Measures for Education Sector: In a major push to online education in India, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has confirmed that from 30th May 2020 onwards, top 100 Universities in India will start offering online courses to help students continue their academic learning during the Coronavirus pandemic from the safety of their homes. She said that Government has already given approval to over 100 top universities to start online classes as early as end of May. As part of the 5^th tranche of Rs.20-lakh crore Economic Package that is being rolled out by the Central Government, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said that the government plan to make the recently launched ‘Study From Home’ initiative a success with help from 100 Universities across the countries which are planning to launch online education courses and virtual classes to help students.

New Swayam Prabha DTH Channels

During the press conference, which usually is focused on economic aspects and measures targeted at reviving the Indian economy which is currently reeling under COVID-19 impact; FM said that the Central Government plans to launc new Swayam Prabha DTH channels to facilitate virtual learning for students who do not have access to internet. As per the details shared by FM, the government plans to launch 12 new Swayam Prabha channels to help students without internet connections to sign up for the courses. She also added that Government plans to tie-up with private DTH providers to air educational content on their channels. Talks are also on to find out a way to stream live telecasts of teachers teaching lessons.

Furthermore, the Minister also said that on similar lines, educational content will also be broadcast through radio channels and other mediums to help it reach remote corners of the country, helping students continue their learning process even during the COVID-19 period.

Specially Designed e-Learning Content for Visually Impaired Students

Addressing the challenges encountered by visually impaired students during the lockdown period in continuing their studies, the finance minister also exclaimed that steps are being taken to help visually impaired students make strides in education. She said that Government is exploring the means of podcasts and radio and how they can be used extensively to help visually impaired students continue their studies. She also added that special e-content for visually and hearing-impaired students are also being prepped by the universities.