Jharkhand's Digital Education Transformation: 33,718 Schools Now Equipped with ICT Labs

Ranchi: A total of 33,718 schools across the state are now equipped with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) labs, where thousands of students are actively learning through digital tools, smart classrooms, and computer-based education.

According to the Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC), the availability of computers in state schools rose sharply from 32.9% to 76.27% in the past five years, a growth that places the state well above the national average of 63.47%. Officials from the school education and literacy department stated that this achievement was made possible through flagship initiatives like the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Digital Jharkhand Mission, and the ICT@Schools Project.Administrative officer at JEPC, S D Tigga, said, "The state's education system is undergoing a digital revolution. Labs are not just teaching students about computers; they are cultivating curiosity, creativity, and essential 21st-century skills needed for a knowledge-driven economy. The schemes have transformed traditional classrooms into digital learning hubs, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in computer operations, coding fundamentals, digital literacy, and online learning platforms.

"Teachers are also being trained to effectively utilise ICT infrastructure for interactive teaching, multimedia-based lesson planning, and digital assessments. The use of smart boards, e-content, and virtual simulations has made lessons in science, mathematics, and geography more engaging and outcome-oriented.In govt schools, students from Classes VI to XII are taught computer subjects by trained ICT instructors.

So far, 6,892 students successfully completed the ICT examination, which evaluates their proficiency in computer knowledge and digital applications. The education department now plans to extend the ICT programme to 1,274 elementary schools and 43 secondary schools in the coming academic phase."The ICT scheme helps identify weaknesses among students so that targeted improvements can be made in teaching methods and content delivery." Nasim Ahmed, principal of Government Middle School, Ormanjhi, said, "Many govt schools now use educational software and interactive modules to simplify complex topics, ensuring that rural students receive learning opportunities on par with urban counterparts."