Digital technologies are vital for information sharing and exchange of creativity among younger generations. Establishing a stable, consistent communication channel is essential for complete growth and development of students within colleges and universities. To promote technical innovation through digital technologies, Indian government launched a ‘Digital India Campaign’ last year. The idea was to secure the future of younger generations through in-campus technological advancements.
The HRD (Human Resource Development Ministry) has started working in this direction already. The education ministry has set a deadline for the universities to start high-speed internet connectivity in their campuses. By July, all universities will have Wi-Fi connectivity in their campuses.
Initially the target for installing Wi-Fi in all leading centralized universities was set as 30th September 2016. UGC was given the responsibility of ensuring that all educational institutes get Wi-Fi connectivity by the end of 2016. However, the project was delayed due to insufficient resources and lack of proper infrastructure. The project has been pending ever since then.
Recently, BHU (Banaras Hindu University) raised concern on this delay and forwarded their complaint to the HRD ministers. Upon receiving this complain, the HRD ministry has sped up the equipment import process.
The UGC has appointed a committee under the leadership of UGC counselor, who’ll supervise this project. Accordingly they’ve set their new targets.
If all goes well, by 30th April, the Central universities of Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Bilaspur, Vardha, IFL University (Hyderabad), Sagar University (Madhya Pradesh) will get high-speed Wi-Fi in their campuses. Secondly, the Central University of Orissa and Gadhwal University (Uttarakhand) will get this facility by 30th May. In time, the government will try to cover other universities, as well.
The HRD officers believe that including high speed internet facilities in hostels, coaching centers and universities will allow students to access international resources online. This will facilitate better learning opportunities. Also, the students will have all information on their fingertips, which they can access anytime, anywhere.
