Microsoft signs MoU with Sikkim, all set to boost digital skills in govt school students and teachers
The tie-up between Sikkim and Microsoft India will help give a boost to digital literacy and the use of new-age technology in the state.
Microsoft India entered into a pact with the Sikkim state government on Thursday to improve the education system in the state by boosting digital literacy and the knowledge of new-age technology among students and teachers in government schools. The MoU was signed between the Human Resource Development Department and the technology major here.
Sikkim HRD Minister RB Subba, Additional Chief Secretary HRD GP Upadhyaya, and Director Education (Advocacy) of Microsoft Vinnie Jauhari were present at the event.
Microsoft has already been working closely with several Indian state governments to support their digital infrastructure, enhance their citizen services, and make their administrative and governance operations much more efficient.
Close to 150 govt departments and SOEs across different states are currently powered by the Microsoft cloud.
What is the main purpose of this collaboration?
Sikkim HRD Minister Subba said that the collaboration was carried out between Sikkim and Microsoft India as part of the state’s commitment to use the power of technology to revamp its core sectors including e-governance.
The tie-up would help make the youth future ready, he said, according to IANS.
E-governance is the best way to get the benefits of technology to all the residents of North East India, Microsoft India General Manager Public Sector Manish Prakash said.
"We believe the next step of growth will be to leverage the power of the cloud, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and data; and are very keen to partner with the North East on this journey," Prakash added, as per PTI.
What will Microsoft do in Sikkim as part of the collaboration?
1. Microsoft will help the state to integrate its IT courseware in the state board curriculum for classes 6 to 10.
2. It will also train 100 master trainers on the IT curriculum at the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT) labs. Based on the agreement, two schools would be identified and adopted for implementing the plan.
3. The company will build student and teacher capacity in digital skills, enhance digital literacy and digital citizenship, and help usher in school reforms.
4. As per a statement, Microsoft said that it will focus on increasing its education sector investment in Sikkim.
5. The tech company will deploy AI and cloud computing solutions in education, agriculture and healthcare among other sectors to transform services.
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