Navi Mumbai: Digital Education Project in Navi Mumbai Municipal Schools Faces Uncertain Future
Navi Mumbai, 13th December 2023: Despite the initial implementation of a digital education initiative in Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) schools, the project has now expired, leaving around 600 classrooms equipped with digital boards and technical materials unused. The initiative, once heralded as a step toward modernizing education, is now under scrutiny, with concerns raised about the future of digital education in municipal schools.
NMMC had introduced digital education facilities in primary and secondary schools, catering to Marathi, Hindi, English, and Urdu mediums. Approximately 56 primary schools, 23 secondary schools, and two CBSE schools were equipped with digital boards and an ERP system to streamline attendance recording and communication with parents. The digital learning system was implemented by Mind Tech, a Bangalore-based company.
Despite the initial promise, the digital education initiative seems to have stalled within a year. The contractor, Mind Tech, was responsible for maintaining the entire digital education facility for five years, including adapting to changes in the syllabus. However, the project has faced setbacks, and the cost of digital education in NMMC schools has been deemed a loss.
As the digital education project’s future hangs in the balance, questions have emerged regarding the NMMC’s next steps. NMMC Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar acknowledges the challenges faced and pledges to take appropriate measures to resume digital education for students.
Former corporator Somnath Vaskar emphasizes the importance of careful contractor selection to avoid future difficulties. He highlights the necessity of ensuring that digital education reaches all students, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
