The Tamil Nadu government is planning to build high-tech labs for classes 6 to 8 with the assistance of IT companies. This will be another project under the Public-Private Partnership model. In recent years, we have seen a vast number of projects that is being built and operated using the new model. This ensures lesser burden on the public sector and increases efficiency.
The State Education Department is planning to direct IT companies to provide computer systems for the high-tech laboratories. According to reports, the labs will be equipped with 10 computer systems, a projector with a mounting kit, web cameras, high-tech printers, headphones, and CCTV cameras, a LAN connectivity with a hard disk capacity of 1 TB annually and many more devices and amenities. Tamil Nadu State government schools have high-tech labs for high and higher secondary standards.
The new project will however, ensure practical learning of STEM disciplines from an earlier age. It will enhance computer knowledge in middle school students and cement their hands- on knowledge of the subject. IT firms will maintain each lab for five years. During this period, they will also have to replace worn-out equipments and will have to provide UPS and generators to ensure uninterrupted power supply in the newly built labs.
Linux will be used in the computers which is an open-source operating system. Service engineers will be appointed in every district to look after the proper functioning of the labs. These trained professionals will be recruited by the partner IT firms. Every school will have five teachers who will be trained extensively in handling the high-tech laboratories. The collaboration shows a lot potential that will only promote India’s growth.
