In recent news, RailTel, a Central Public Sector Enterprise in India, has put forth an initiative to the Ministry of Education. This initiative aims to equip rural schools under central government administration with the facilities needed to conduct ‘smart classes’.
The Proposal: High-Speed Broadband and IoT for Learning
At the heart of RailTel’s proposal is the idea of powering remote government schools with high-speed broadband and creating an environment that promotes the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) for learning. The intention is to establish comprehensive e-learning solutions for these schools. These advanced technological measures will be possible due to the robust Optical Fibre Cable network, which acts as the backbone of Indian Railways telecom operations.
The Rationale: Leveraging the Gains of E-Learning
The compelling force behind this plan is the education sector’s focus on capitalising on the benefits of e-learning as a form of instruction. The ongoing pandemic has necessitated the migration of teachers and students to virtual platforms, increasing reliance on IT-enabled interactive methods for teaching.
Reach: Accessibility to Remote Corners
Thanks to the vast cable network that runs parallel to railway tracks, this project has the potential to influence rural schools across the country. This includes even the most remote locations that typically lack dependable internet access. RailTel has previously facilitated similar connectivity to 723 higher education institutions under the Centre’s National Knowledge Network programme, delivering broadband speeds of up to 10 gigabytes per second.
Impact: Empowering Rural Students
With this proposal, approximately 3.5 lakh students enrolled in central government schools (mainly catering to meritorious students in rural India) stand to gain. They will benefit from expanded access to resources, enabling them to reap the advantages of modern, digital education.
About RailTel: The ‘Mini Ratna’ ICT Provider
RailTel is recognised as a ‘Mini Ratna (Category-I)’ Central Public Sector Enterprise. It is one of the country’s largest neutral telecom infrastructure providers. RailTel owns a Pan-India optic fiber network designated exclusively for Right of Way (ROW – for laying telecom cables) along Railway track. This expansive Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) network spans all significant towns, cities and several rural areas in India. In addition to its recent proposal, RailTel has been selected for various mission-mode projects by the Indian government, including the National Knowledge Network, Bharat Net and USOF (Universal Service Obligation Fund) funded optical fiber connectivity projects in North East India.
Source: IE
