There will be two funding formulae for implementation of the scheme — one on 75:25 Centre-state sharing basis and the other 90:10 sharing basis for special category states in the North-East, J&K and Uttarakhand. Each school will approximately get Rs 7.65 lakh each per annum under the scheme.

“While the scheme will help schools get more computers, LCD projectors, camcorders and gensets besides the very critical qualified faculty factor, the focus will be on recruiting over a lakh teachers trained in ICT skills so that they can function not only as highly trained faculty but also double up as IT administrators, troubleshooters and e-content developers. The private sector, being the drivers of IT revolution will be of immense help in putting the scheme in place. Many big firms like Intel and Microsoft besides a host of others have already been doing a lot of work in this direction as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility initiative”, said an official from the ministry.

“Getting dedicated teachers is a major thrust area as at present most schools have teachers with only basic computer skills. Still further, they are paid meagerly for this. Under the new scheme, teachers will be recruited at a salary of Rs 10,000 per month at least for classes 9th to 12th,” the official said.

Schools will also get camcorders and projectors intended at helping students harness their creativity, make films and even run them for the school .