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Reducing the Digital Divide in Bihar: Using Technology to Advance Education in Sasaram
India has been trying to address many major obstacles to inclusivity in education, including the digital divide caused by COVID. In urban India, schools quickly adopted online and digital teaching; meanwhile, rural and semi-urban students suffered from inadequate internet and digital infrastructure. The Bihar Ministry of Education is observing gradual improvements in digital education. Initiatives stemming from the National Educational Policy (NEP) 2020 have increased digital educational opportunities, particularly in the Sasaram Lok Sabha constituency.
Information presented in the Lok Sabha by the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and highlighted by the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), indicates that investments in digital infrastructure, capacity building of teachers, and technology in learning are improving the standard of education in Bihar’s schools.
Samagra Shiksha and Major Investment
Bihar has been allocated ₹10,376.98 crore under Samagra Shiksha for the years 2026–27 and granted ₹122.73 crore for ICT and digital projects.
Developing digital learning infrastructure in schools and reducing digital divides by location is a priority of these infrastructure projects. Funding also complements the NEP 2020 focus on designing learning opportunities and education that is inclusive, equitable, and primarily technology-based.
Internet Connections Expand to Almost Every School in Sasaram
The expansion of internet services to schools has been one of the most visible successes noted by the Ministry. Based on official data, the following has been achieved in the Sasaram Lok Sabha constituency:
Internet connectivity has been made available to 2,017 of 2,134 schools (94.5%). More and more schools are now able to connect to the internet to access digital learning, online resources, and teaching materials. For several schools, the availability of internet connectivity has been the starting point to integrate digital education into daily teaching—and learning—activities.
Teachers Receive Training in Digital Skills
Having the technology alone will not transform education. Having the right skilled workforce is equally important. The Ministry indicated that in Sasaram, there are now:
- 404 trained computer teachers
- 236 ICT Lab Instructors
These personnel assist in the digital skills training of children as well as aid the school in the use of ICT for teaching. The training of teachers remains one of the key dimensions in the success of the use of digital education across the board in NEP 2020.
Digital Initiatives of PM eVidya and DIKSHA
Digital learning solutions are being enhanced through the establishment of additional online national platforms. Students in Bihar now have access to:
- Five dedicated PM eVidya DTH channels (BR PM eVIDYA 63–67).
- DIKSHA, which provides QR-coded textbooks and digitally enhanced content and virtual labs used for the teaching of interactive and engaging (real-time) learning.
Even when students do not have the opportunity to learn in a traditional classroom setting, these platforms allow them to learn through a variety of available options.
The Role of AI in School Education
The Ministry referred to Artificial Intelligence's role in school education as one that is ever-expanding. Teachers and parents can utilize AI-integrated support using three ed-tech chatbots via the e-Jaadui Pitara initiative:
- Katha Sakhi
- Teacher Tara
- Parent Tara
These supportive tools integrate emerging technologies as chatbots, utilize AI, and provide resources and support to parents and teachers. Their purpose is to provide supportive scaffolding and resources that stimulate engagement at various levels of the foundation of education.
NEP 2020's Broader Vision
The projects in Bihar strive to incorporate the provisions of NEP 2020. Flexible, learner-centered education requires the integration of modern technologies. Constructing a comprehensive framework of digital education relies on integrated instructional infrastructure, trained educators, and artificial intelligence. Experts continue to emphasize improved, sustained internet connectivity and equity of digital resources as essential to provide optimal learning.
Final Thoughts
According to the Ministry’s update, Bihar continues to build its digital education ecosystem by investing in connectivity, infrastructure, the workforce, and technology-based learning. In Sasaram, nearly 95% of schools have internet access, and with the help of many national classroom support digital platforms, Bihar has been able to achieve many of its goals to close the digital gap. The next objective will be to continuously build the existing infrastructure to improve learning and digital equity in every classroom.
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