FM: Online Education with Immediate Effect

The union finance minister Nirmala Seetharaman, in her 5th and the last tranche of the Rs.20 lakh crore economic package as part of 'Athma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' (Self-Reliant India Campaign) held a press meet on Sunday morning and mouthed some revolutionary announcements in the sectors of education and health. In an earth-shattering proclamation, Mrs Nirmala permitted top 100 universities for online education from May 30, 2020. Following are excerpts of her speech.

* Technology-driven education will be given focus. PM e-VIDYa programme for multi-mode access to digital/online education to be launched immediately. Top 100 universities will be permitted to automatically start online courses by 30th May, 2020..

* One class, one channel for classes 1 to 12. As such, 12 channels will be launched for children education.

* Live interactive sessions between the teachers and the students will be enabled.

* 200 new textbooks are being added for e-Pathshala.

* Students will also get education through community radio and broadcasting.

* Meanwhile the FM also announced sops for health sector's personnel. Insurance cover upto Rs.50 lakh per every person.

* PPEs will be made available for health staff. A total of 51 lakh PPEs have already been supplied.