By Our Reporter
Shillong: An attempt to bridge the digital divide in many pockets of the State was made on Friday with the launching of a Course on Computer Concepts (CCC), online multimedia e-learning content in Khasi for the benefit of the people, especially the rural populace.
A first of its kind in the State, this multimedia e-learning content which is available in both CD and online versions was released on Friday by Information and Technology (IT) Commissioner and Secretary, DP Wahlang.
The CCC multimedia e-learning material in Khasi has been translated by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) with the assistance of the Khasi Department of NEHU.
NEILIT is the national body for conducting IT certification and training in the non-formal sector and was set up in the state in 2009 with funding from the Department of Electronics and IT, Government of India.
Highlighting the fact that IT penetration in the State was very low, IT Commissioner and Secretary, DP Wahlang said that attempts like these would help in bridging the digital gaps of the state.
“At present, the IT penetration in the state is only 45 percent while the internet penetration is only about 37-38 percent even as technology is moving at a fast pace”, Wahlang said.
Conducted all over the country, the CCC course has been identified as the IT literacy course for improving the IT skills of people working in Government departments, private enterprises and business organizations apart from the student community and others.
Highlighting the need to make e-learning accessible in the rural areas, the IT commissioner said, “There was also an attempt to translate the state portal into Khasi and Garo but subsequently it was a disaster due to many difficulties”
Further, Wahlang also informed that the Government has earmarked 10 acres of land in Mawdiangdiang for the NIELIT to set up its permanent campus.
NIELIT Shillong will be shortly upgraded along with other NIELIT institute of NE region under the project-Development of North Eastern region by enhancing the training and education capacity in the IECT area at a total cost of Rs 388.68 crore. Under this project, an extension centre of NIELIT Shillong is also being commissioned at Tura.
The programme was also attended by Dean of School of Technology (SOT), NEHU, Prof S Choudhury, Head of the Khasi Department, NEHU, Prof A Kharmalki, Principal of St Edmund’s College, Dr S Lamare and Rangbah Shnong of Nongrim Hills FA Lamare besides others.