Massive irregularities: Rs 80 cr goes down the drain as smart classrooms under 5T initiative still a distant dream in Odisha

BJD’s tall claims of massive transformation of schools under the 5T initiative have proved hollow as the ground reality is far from being true. The former Odisha government boasted of developing infrastructure, installing new desks, and replacing blackboards with smart boards, but the scenes in rural areas speak otherwise.

Most schools still lack smart boards while many others continue to use blackboards. In glaring example is the condition of schools in the Keonjhar district. In most schools, smart boards are lying unused and computers have become dysfunctional with frequent power cuts and low voltage hindering the dream of smart classes.

“There is a severe internet connectivity problem. Additionally, power cuts and low voltage make it hard to use smart boards and online classes. Most of the computers and smart boards are lying unused for months now,” alleged a student.

Also Read | Tata Power Smart Meter Row: Protesting Odisha farmers Accuse TPWODL of Irregularities

Similarly, another student said, “Our school does not even have a smart board. We have seen it in other classes. But, we have got used it till now.”

When contacted, a High School teacher Tapan Kumar Sahu said, “Due to frequent power cuts, we cannot use the smart boards and are forced to use blackboards. Teachers also want to teach students smartly using smart boards, but since it is a rural area, there are frequent power cuts. There are a lot of internet issues.”

As per reports, at least Rs 80.44 crore was spent from the DMF fund for the modification in the number of smart classrooms in 350 schools, ashrams, and other educational institutions under the 5T High School transformation in Keonjhar.

Massive corruption has been alleged in the tender process with the former Odisha government allegedly favouring a private company. An MoU was signed with the company to install computers, speakers, smart boards, web cameras, and microphones in the smart classrooms. However, most schools are yet to benefit from the 5T initiative while others have complained of computers already developing glitches.

No comments could be obtained from the company empowered with the tender to install the smart boards.