By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 30: The Meghalaya government’s plan to introduce 5,000 smart classrooms across schools in the state has raised questions about the feasibility of such an ambitious initiative in light of the state’s digital infrastructure challenges.
While the government envisions transforming the educational landscape with technology-driven learning spaces equipped with projectors, computers, and internet connectivity, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
According to data from the Ministry of Communications, 36.27% of Meghalaya’s villages remain without mobile network coverage. Out of the 5,623 villages in the state, 2,040 are still not covered, making access to the internet a distant reality for many students in rural areas.
Further compounding the issue is the state’s low tele-density (which is the number of telephone connections per 100 individuals), which is among the lowest in the Northeast, alongside Assam and Nagaland. The situation reflects the slow progress in expanding telecom services in the region due to technical and topographical challenges.
The National Family Health Survey has also highlighted stark digital inequalities in the region. In Meghalaya, fewer than 40% of women have ever used the internet, and male internet usage in the state is among the lowest in the country. This points to a significant digital divide not only between urban and rural areas but also within the population based on gender.
The implementation of smart classrooms hinges on reliable internet connectivity and access to digital tools, but broadband penetration in Meghalaya remains limited.
Delays in infrastructure development and inconsistent connectivity in remote areas pose significant hurdles to realising the government’s vision.