Govt schools to get TVs for students to watch special programmes

The original plan was to launch the educational channel, Kalvi Tholaikatchi, in March. However, due to the model code of conduct that was in place, it was postponed to the end of May. The Directorate of School Education has made elaborate arrangements for government school students, allocating an array of programme slots for them.

All the programmes, which would cater to the students studying from primary to higher secondary level, would be aired in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation.

A senior official from the directorate told DT Next that all the government schools would have LED smart televisions sets with a minimum size or minimum 20 inches so that students could watch relevant education programmes from the channel. "More than 60 lakh students from primary to higher secondary levels will benefit from the initiative," he added.

The official said students would have separate sessions to watch TV programmes that are recommended for them. "In future, each classroom will have television sets," he said, adding, "The channel will initially be made available for about 10 hours every day. It will be expanded into a 24X7 channel in a couple of months."

A high-tech studio has been set up at Anna Centenary Library building in Chennai for the channel, which soon will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.

Stating that all the programmes were prepared by Directorate of School Education with the help of experts and academicians, including from Tamil Nadu State Council of Educational Research (SCERT), he said exclusive programmes to improve communication skills and information technology learning, especially for rural areas, would be given priority in the channel.

The official added that the department would hold talks with private parties to launch coaching programmes for competitive exams, including the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and Joint Entrance Examination (JEE).