Policy Update
Bhavya Jain
Background:
PM e-Vidya is a key program introduced by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, on May 17, 2020, as an element of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan. It was launched in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain educational continuity during extensive school closures. The initiative seeks to offer various means of access to digital, online, and broadcast education, thus closing the digital gap and ensuring fair, high-quality education for every student nationwide.
The initiative brings together multiple digital education initiatives under a single umbrella, featuring platforms such as DIKSHA, SWAYAM, and the Swayam Prabha DTH channels. It aims at around 25 crore children attending school, encompassing classes 1 to 12, and also includes higher education via online courses offered by the top 100 universities. The program corresponds with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for education that is inclusive and accessible.
Since its launch, PM e-Vidya has grown considerably. It began with 12 DTH TV channels and has expanded to 200 channels that air curriculum-focused content in various Indian languages. The program further incorporates radio, community radio, podcasts, and targeted content for students with disabilities, creating a holistic digital learning environment.
Functioning:
PM e-Vidya utilizes a multi-modal delivery system to guarantee that education is accessible to students, regardless of their internet access or location. The main elements and how they operate are outlined below:
1) DIKSHA Platform: A nationwide digital framework offering top-notch e-content, featuring QR-coded interactive textbooks for every grade. It has logged over 5.58 crore educational sessions and features more than 3.17 lakh items of digital content. Textbooks feature QR codes that connect to associated digital content available through the DIKSHA app.
2) PM e-Vidya DTH TV Channels: Originally started with 12 channels, it has now grown to 200 channels focused on classes 1-12. These channels air additional educational material created by NCERT, CBSE, KVS, NIOS, and various other organizations in Hindi, English, and local languages. This “One Class, One Channel” strategy supports students in remote regions lacking reliable internet access.
3) SWAYAM Platform: Provides Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) for higher education and school courses from grades 9 to 12. It facilitates credit transfer and offers more than 10,000 courses, with 410,000 students registered in NCERT programs.
4) Radio, Community Radio, and Podcasts: Educational material is transmitted through radio and community radio outlets, such as the CBSE podcast “Shiksha Vani”, focusing on regions with limited internet access.
5) Digitally Accessible Information System (DAISY): Offers tailored electronic content like audiobooks, sign language videos, and talking books for students with visual and hearing impairments, promoting equitable education.
6) Virtual Labs and Skilling e-Labs: The initiative aims to create 750 virtual labs and 75 skilling e-labs concentrating on science, mathematics, and vocational skills to promote critical thinking and creativity in students from classes 6 to 12.
7) Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS): A helpline (8800440559) operated by CIET-NCERT provides support for learners, teachers, and parents to seek help and address questions regarding the scheme. The scheme emphasizes content quality, regional language inclusion, and accessibility through multiple platforms to cater to diverse learner needs. However, challenges like website navigability and limited language filters on some portals have been noted, affecting accessibility.
Performance
In the past 2-3 years, PM e-Vidya has shown remarkable growth and expansion:
1) Growth of DTH Channels: The PM e-Vidya DTH TV channels have increased from 12 to 200, encompassing all states and union territories. By July 2024, 186 channels were distributed across 28 states, 7 union territories, and 8 autonomous organizations.
2) Content Creation: CIET-NCERT has developed more than 7,100 video programs, comprising 4,247 Indian Sign Language (ISL) programs and 4,770 audiobook segments. Moreover, more than 15,979 video materials have been acquired and reviewed from various organizations. By mid-2024, the total e-content accessible on PM e-Vidya channels had reached 66,066 video programs.
3) User Engagement: The DIKSHA platform noted more than 5.58 crore learning sessions, reflecting extensive usage. SWAYAM offers over 10,000 courses, attracting more than 400,000 enrollments in school-level programs.
4) Inclusive Programs: In December 2024, a special DTH channel (Channel 31) aimed at Indian Sign Language was introduced to assist students with hearing impairments.
5) Financial Backing: The Union Budget 2022-23 designated resources to enhance PM e-Vidya, which involves augmenting DTH channels and establishing virtual labs and e-skill workshops.
6) In spite of these successes, certain states and UTs, like Ladakh and Lakshadweep, have encountered difficulties in providing content because of infrastructural or administrative problems. The use of channels and content creation differs by region, showing inconsistent application.
Impact
PM e-Vidya has been essential in reducing learning setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering accessible and quality education through various digital platforms. Its effects encompass:
1) Closing the Digital Gap: By utilizing TV, radio, and offline methods in conjunction with online platforms, the initiative has connected students in isolated and underserved regions where reliable internet access is absent.
2) Inclusive Education: Tailored resources for students with disabilities and the introduction of an Indian Sign Language channel have improved accessibility and inclusion.
3) Assisting Educators: Digital content, training materials, and technological resources enable teachers to adjust to online teaching methods, enhancing educational results.
4) Acknowledgment: The project was awarded the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICT in Education in 2022, recognizing its creative strategy and impact on sustainable development objectives.
5) Accessibility of Regional Languages: The increase to 200 DTH channels airing in various Indian languages has assisted in breaking down language barriers in educational delivery.
6) Nonetheless, worries persist about the quality and usability of digital platforms, restricted language choices on certain portals, and inconsistent content creation across different states. These elements influence the overall efficiency and user satisfaction.
Emerging Issues
1) Accessibility issues with the official PM e-Vidya website and lack of language filters: Barriers hinder access for numerous users.
2) Disparate Content Contribution: Certain states and UTs fall behind in content creation and channel usage because of infrastructural and administrative challenges.
3) Restricted Language Variety on Platforms: Although DTH channels include various languages, certain digital platforms mainly cater to Hindi and English, restricting their audience in linguistically diverse areas.
4) Quality Assurance: Maintaining uniform quality of e-content across various platforms continues to be a challenge.
5) Sustainability After the Pandemic: With schools resuming, the integration and role of PM e-Vidya within the traditional education framework require definite policy guidance.
Recommendations:
1) Improve website functionality and increase language choices on online platforms.
2) Enhance capacity development and infrastructure assistance for underperforming states and Union Territories.
3) Establish strict quality control measures for electronic content.
4) Create an inclusive digital education strategy to sustainably incorporate PM eVidya into conventional education.
5) Enhance awareness initiatives to encourage usage among students, parents, and educators.
Way Forward
PM e-Vidya signifies a significant advancement in digitizing education in India, with the goal of establishing a robust and inclusive educational environment. Going ahead, the emphasis has to be on solidifying achievements by enhancing accessibility, quality of content, and inclusiveness across regions. A strong digital education policy framework is crucial for maintaining and expanding the initiative beyond the context of the pandemic.
Enhancing PM e-Vidya’s impact can be achieved by broadening interactive and personalized learning opportunities, incorporating advanced technologies such as AI and analytics, and promoting collaborations between public and private sectors. Enhancing teacher training and fostering community involvement will guarantee that digital education effectively complements conventional learning.
Ultimately, the success of PM e-Vidya will greatly aid in realizing the NEP 2020 objectives and the wider vision of “New India” by making quality education accessible to all students, irrespective of their location or economic background.
References
• Ministry of Education, PM e-Vidya official portal: https://pmevidya.education.gov.in
• Press Information Bureau (PIB), PM e-Vidya DTH Channel for Indian Sign Language: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2081633
• Swayam Prabha, PM eVidya DTH Channels: https://swayamprabha.gov.in/index.php/about/pmevidya
• Business Standard, Budget 2022: PM e-Vidya expansion: https://www.business-standard.com/budget/article/budget-2022-pm-e-vidya-programme-to-be-expanded-to-200-tv-channels-122020101178_1.html
• NCERT CIET Report on PM eVidya DTH Channels Utilization: https://ciet.ncert.gov.in/storage/app/public/files/19/Transmission_Schedule/Utilization_of_200_PM_eVidya_DTH_TV_Channels-A_Critical_Review.pdf
• The Bastion, Critical Review of PM e-Vidya: https://thebastion.co.in/politics-and/education/technology-in-education/is-the-pm-e-vidya-scheme-losing-the-plot-on-digitising-education/
• Financial Express, PM eVidya National Expansion: https://www.financialexpress.com/jobs-career/education-pm-evidya-initiative-expands-nationally-aims-to-provide-free-access-to-educational-resourcesnbspto-marginalised-communities-3328249 /
About the Contributor: Bhavya Jain is a Research Intern at Impri, Pursuing BA.LLB from Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, GGSIPU.
Acknowledgement: I would like to thank Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja for her utmost support and guidance.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organization.
Read more at IMPRI:
PRAYAS (2020)- Pursuing Excellence in Governance
The Silent Spread: How Invasive Species Are Rewriting Forest Life in India
