The Union government will increase its annual allocation for interest-free loans to students and digitalise over 15 lakh classrooms as part of its resolve to ensure quality education in the country, said Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Monday.
The annual budget to provide interest-free loans to 10 lakh students would be increased to Rs 2,200 crore in next three years, Javadekar said addressing the second Higher Education Human Resource Conclave in Jaipur. Four to five lakh youths have received interest-free loans amounting to Rs 800 crore in 2014. Under the present BJP-led government at the Centre, it has been increased to Rs 1,800 crore to benefit over 8 lakh students, said the minister, addressing the conclave attended by education ministers of various states, including those from Rajasthan, Manipur and Uttarakhand.
The Centre aims at launching Operation Digital Board’ in all schools in five years aiming at empowering students “with 360 degree information with interesting learning experience and increased teachers’ accountability”.