Context

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is signed between the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MTA) and Microsoft to support the digital transformation of schools

About

Key highlights of the MOU

• Target: The initiative will be implemented in schools under the Ministry such as Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and Ashram Schools.
• AI skills: Microsoft will provide AI curriculum to tribal students in both English and Hindi at all EMRS schools under the Ministry to skill educators and students for next-generation technologies including Artificial Intelligence.  
  • These schools will be equipped with the technology, training and tools that is required to transform them into Microsoft Showcase School.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) EMRS started in the year 1997-98. It was started to impart quality education to ST children in remote areas. It will enable them to avail of opportunities in high and professional educational courses and get employment in various sectors. ·        By the year 2022, every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, will have an EMRS.         Eklavya schools will be on par with Navodaya Vidyalaya. They will have special facilities to preserve local art and culture besides providing training in sports and for skill development.  Ashram Schools Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) running a scheme “Establishment of Ashram Schools in Tribal Sub-Plan Areas” under which funds are provided to State Governments for construction of Ashram schools  The scheme is in operation since 1990-91. The scheme is funded on 50:50 basis by the Central and State government, 100% funding will be provided to UTs. Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursuing primary, middle, secondary and senior secondary education are eligible for the scheme.

• Significance: This program will provide readiness, preparedness to students at various international forums.
  • Students would get the required skill through digital transformation and this would support that AI and coding being a part of the curriculum.
  • This initiative will be helpful to the tribal students for maintaining continuity in their education in the lockdown period.
  • Students will also be trained and exposed to gamified environments on Minecraft to help build design thinking skills.
  • To enable inclusion and access, Microsoft will make AI curriculum available to the schools and students in both English and Hindi.
• Teachers training: 5000 teachers nominated by the ministry across these schools would also be provided with professional training.
  • The program will also offer opportunities for teachers to earn professional e-badges and e-certificates from the Microsoft Education Centre
• Support: Ministry will mentor on projects that involve AI applications for the societal good and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also.

Some other initiatives of Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MTA) NITI Aayog inaugurated the “Online Performance Dashboard “Empowering Tribals, Transforming India” developed by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) on 10th August, 2020.  Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) scheme. The joint initiative of the Ministry with Facebook under Going Online as Leaders (GOAL) program. TRIFOOD Scheme is a joint initiative of Ministry of Food Processing Industry, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED.  TRIFED spearheads implementation of the Van Dhan programme.