Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)
Bengaluru, Dec 17: In Karnataka, only 10.68% of government schools have internet access, in stark contrast to 71.98% of private schools equipped with the facility.
In comparison, Kerala leads with 94.57% of its government schools having internet connectivity, closely followed by Gujarat at 94.18%. This information came to light through an answer provided in the Rajya Sabha to a query posed by MPs Phulo Devi Netam and Ranjit Ranjan recently.
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Karnataka has a total of 49,769 government schools, but only 5,308 are equipped with internet facilities. Meanwhile, 14,145 out of 19,650 private schools in the state have internet access. New Delhi (2,762), Chandigarh (123), and Pondicherry (422) stand out with 100% internet connectivity in their government schools.
Kerala, with 5,010 schools, and Gujarat, with 34,699 schools, have achieved 94.57% and 94.18% internet connectivity, respectively. Bihar, however, records the lowest percentage, with only 5.85% of its 75,558 government schools having internet access.
Educationalist V P Niranjanaradhya expressed concern over this disparity, stating, “It is regrettable that internet facility is not available in government schools. Though digital technology complements the physical classroom process, able and capable teachers play a bigger role. Having internet access with the required gadgets is extremely important.”
He further emphasized, “The government of Karnataka should formulate a plan to comprehensively strengthen government schools. We need internet connectivity along with fundamental facilities like classrooms, teachers, washrooms, and drinking water. If Kerala can achieve this, why can’t Karnataka, which is home to the Silicon Valley of India?”
BJP state president B Y Vijayendra criticized the ruling Congress government, stating, “This is the result of the negligent attitude of the Congress. Due to a lack of finances and vision, our children are deprived of internet connectivity. While 71.98% of private schools benefit from internet facilities, government schools lack even basic digital infrastructure. This inequality undermines the equality of education and puts the future of our children in jeopardy. I will pressurize the government to address this issue.”