Information And Communication Technology In Schools (ICT @ Schools)

The Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Information and Communication Technology [ICT] in School” was launched in December 2004, to provide opportunities to secondary stage students to develop ICT skills and also for ICT aided learning process.  The Scheme is a major catalyst to bridge the digital divide amongst students of various socio economic and other geographical barriers. The Scheme provides support to States/UTs to establish computer labs on a sustainable basis. It also aims to set up SMART schools in Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas  to act as “Technology Demonstrators” and to lead in propagating ICT skills among students of neighborhood schools.

The Scheme currently is being implemented in both Government and Government aided secondary and higher Schools. Support is provided for procurement of computers and peripherals, educational software, training of teachers and internet connectivity etc. 

The financial assistance is given to States and other institutions on the basis of the approvals accorded by Project Monitoring and Evaluation Group (PM&EG) headed by Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy.

National Foundation for Teachers Welfare

National Foundation for Teachers' Welfare (NFTW) was set up in 1962 under the Charitable Endowments Act, 1890. The main objective of the Foundation is to provide financial assistance to teachers who may be in indigent circumstances. The Corpus Fund of the Foundation consists of an initial contribution of Rs.1,00,000/- by the Central Government and subsequent annual contributions received from the member States/Union Territories. In addition, all the State Working Committees transfer to the Foundation 10% of the collections made on the occasion of Teachers' Day every year. At present, the Corpus Fund stands at Rs.69 crores.

The following schemes for the welfare of teachers all over India are being operated by the Foundation:

• Financial Assistance for Construction of Shikshak Sadans.
• Paid Holiday to Eminent Teachers who have rendered Meritorious Services.
• Support for Professional Education of Children of School Teachers.
• Financial Assistance (Medical) to Teachers Suffering from Serious Ailments.
• Subsidy to Teachers for Academic Activity.

Under the above Schemes, an amount of Rs.2.85 crores has been disbursed to the teachers through the States/UTs during 2005-06. The Foundation also organises a fund collection drive on the occasion of Teachers' Day on 5th September each year on all India basis.

100 DAYS PROGRAMME OF MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE AND DEVELOPMENT