C20 Summit Commences, Focusing on Education and Digital Transformation

Minister V. Muraleedharan asserts that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has granted underprivileged students access to quality education, even in remote regions. Speaking at the C20 Summit on Education and Digital Transformation (EDT), he emphasises the Indian government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and leveraging technology to benefit all citizens. Muraleedharan proudly highlights the record allocation of USD 13.66 billion to the education sector in the Union Budget, demonstrating the government’s dedication to upskilling youth and promoting digitalization in education. He applauds the NEP 2020 for its emphasis on digital infrastructure, blended learning, online platforms, open educational resources, and skill development.

Furthermore, the Minister praises the government’s decision to allow Indian universities to offer fully online degrees, which has expanded students’ access to higher education. Collaborations with global institutions for online courses have enhanced the reputation of Indian educational establishments worldwide. Muraleedharan predicts a remarkable advancement in India’s EdTech sector due to the growing number of internet users, expected to reach 900 million by 2025.

In a video message, spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi, Chair of C20 India, expresses concern over the widening gap in science and technology, the misuse of the internet, and the increasing prevalence of drug abuse among students. She emphasises the need to safeguard traditional values in the face of rapid technological advancements and highlights the importance of addressing the potential negative consequences and threats associated with new discoveries.

Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament and guest of honour, cites a study revealing the limited access to laptops and smart tablets among Indian students, with only 17% and 4% having access, respectively. He also highlights the infrastructural challenges in government schools, where only 28% have computers and a mere 12% have an Internet connection. This lack of connectivity, especially in rural areas, has exposed the shortcomings of online education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tharoor references a study by Oxfam that reports over 80% of respondents believed digital schooling had failed children during the lockdown. He underscores the urgent need to confront and address this significant challenge.

The C20 Troika member, Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, and various experts and stakeholders from civil-society organizations (CSOs) engage in discussions at the summit to identify pressing challenges in education and digital transformation. Their objective is to document innovative solutions, recommendations, and best practices over the two-day event.