Haryana education minister Kanwar Pal said the state government will spend more than Rs 500 crore to  distribute 8.6 lakh tablets for free to school students for online education. This has been done to boost the new normal way of online education, “Chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar has cleared our request to distribute these tablets to students of Class 8 to 12 as we are aware that those studying at government schools are economically weak and lag behind in this mode of education,” the minister said while addressing a press conference. It has been further decided that the tablets will be distributed to every student studying in the government schools from classes 8 to 12, irrespective of their background. “Tenders will be floated very soon for the purpose,” added the minister.

“Online education was the only option left with us during lockdown last year, but we are in favour of continuing e-education in future,” Kanwar Pal, an MLA from Yamunanagar’s Jagadhri seat, said.

Commenting on the genuine initiative, the minister further said that knowledge of computer is very important for children. Many students in the state cannot afford to buy laptops or tablets and hence when compared to others lack confidence. Going forward, this will be a good initiative for the future of our country.

On apprehensions over Class 12 board exams, he said, “In a meeting with the Union government, we explained that the state is ready to conduct the exams by doubling exam centres at home schools. We are prepared for three-hour exam and those under isolation due to Covid-19 will be given another chance. We are awaiting the Union Ministry orders and the preparation will be done in accordance to that.”

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