Expansion of Digital Learning, Research and Creative Technology Initiatives

The Ministry of Education is expanding digital learning and research initiatives through multiple centrally‑sponsored schemes. Under Samagra Shiksha, ICT labs and smart classrooms are being set up in schools, with funding linked to State‑submitted Annual Work Plans. The PM eVidya programme, launched in May 2020, integrates 200 DTH TV channels and 400 radio channels to deliver multi‑mode, multilingual education, with Gujarat receiving five dedicated DTH channels. The Union Budget 2026‑27 earmarks AVGC Content Creator Labs for 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges in partnership with IICT, Mumbai. The MERITE scheme allocates Rs 4,200 crore to improve quality and governance in 275 technical institutions. The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) scheme supports Indian‑origin researchers abroad across three fellowship categories in 13 engineering, science and technology themes.