CHENNAI: With an eye to improving infrastructure in government and aided schools, especially providing impetus to new technology, the school education department has established internet connection in 20,332 State-run schools.

The facility has been established in these schools in collaboration with BSNL, as per the circular from the department. Out of 6,223 government high and higher secondary schools in the State so far the internet facility has been set up in 5,913 schools, the circular added.

Internet connectivity has been installed in 3,799 schools out of a total of 6,992 middle schools.

With respect to primary schools, internet facilities have been established in 10,620 schools out of a total of about 24,000 schools. “Out of a total of 37,553 government and aided schools in the State, 20,332 schools have been given internet connection and for the remaining 17,221 government schools, the connection will be established by June second week,” added the circular.

With the establishment of internet facilities at State-run schools, the teachers, especially in rural pockets will get respite from regular trips to internet centres to complete school-related work.

This step has been taken citing the importance of internet connection in schools, for both teachers and students. In the same lines, the department has also set up hi-tech labs at a cost of Rs 519.73 crore and 22,931 smart classrooms for Rs 455.32 crore to benefit 46.12 lakh students in order to retain knowledge and create an appropriate learning environment with technology for students studying in government and aided schools.