Separate TV channel for each standard – Union Finance Minister Sitharaman
New Delhi – Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the press conference held on 17th May that the Union Government is taking proactive measures to promote digital platforms for education. One earmarked TV channel for each standard will also be a part of this. At present, there are 3 such channels, to which another 12 channels will be added. Students who lack internet access will benefit from it. Finance Minister also briefed regarding the special economic package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She announced on 17th May the fifth and final tranche of Rs. 20 lakh crore stimulus package under the Atma-nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
Sitharaman spoke about ‘Manodarpan’, an initiative to extend psycho-social support to students, teachers and families for mental health and emotional well-being to be launched in the next few days. In addition to this, special educational material will be made available for persons with disabilities. She also informed that country’s top 100 universities have been permitting to start online educational courses. Sitharaman informed that Rs. 10,025 crores have been deposited in Jan Dhan accounts till date. Under various schemes, assistance of Rs.16,394 crore has been given. Along with this, wheat and rice have been distributed free of cost to 25 crore poor and labourers.