With no knowledge of computers, Vadodara schools prefer to remain ignorant

VADODARA, AUG 17: Even as massive computerisation and Internet revolution is spreading in several major cities of the country, in the far-...

VADODARA, AUG 17: Even as massive computerisation and Internet revolution is spreading in several major cities of the country, in the far-away tribal villages spread across Vadodara district, there is no word heard about them. Not surprisingly then is the reluctance on part of the primary schools to play around with computers.

The District Development Office of the Zilla Panchayat recently sent a proposal to the primary schools located in the predominantly tribal areas of Vadodara district, informing them about a government scheme for popularising computers in primary schools.

“We told them that the scheme envisages promotion of computer education in schools. As per the scheme, the zilla panchayat would take care of 50 per cent of the expenses incurred on installing computers in the schools and the rest would have to be taken care of by the schools itself,” an officer in the Zilla Panchayat said.

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However, a month after the announcement, there seem to be no takers. Sources said that the schools have informed the Panchayat their unwillingness to go for the project. “Though they have not clarified as to why they do not want to go for it, there could be multiple reasons,” an officer said.

One, the schools are not in a position to muster the remaining 50 per cent funds meant to complete the installation work. “Since computer hardware and software installation are quite capital-intensive projects, it would not be possible to take care of the rest of the funds,” an officer said.

Another reason, which the official said, could be the lack of interest, both among the teachers and the students. “What we have gathered through our informal discussion with the school managements in these areas is that due to lack of awareness on the computer front, there is no enthusiasm as regards the project. Even the teachers are not willing to go for it,” an officer said.