Thiruvananthapuram: Government schools in Kerala are functioning without an Internet connection since March 31. Till that date, the BSNL’s Internet was being provided to schools by KITE (Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education), the technical agency under the General Education Department.
The BSNL connections were cut in order to shift to KFON (Kerala Fibre Optic Network), the state government’s proposed Internet service. However, with the KFON project itself mired in uncertainty, the schools are clueless over when their Internet connections would be restored. Moreover, the schools are concerned whether the new service would be efficient.
At the same time, KFON officials stressed that the infrastructure to provide the new connections to schools was already in place and the service would start soon.
With the schools presently shut for summer holidays, Internet services are not required for academic activities. But connectivity is necessary for office-related work, admission procedures and communication purposes.
KITE had provided BSNL connections to 4,743 high schools, higher secondary schools and vocational higher secondary schools in Kerala under its hi-tech project. The expenses for the project were met initially through KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board) and later the money was sourced from Plan funds.
Recently, the state government instructed schools to utilize the KFON connections, which are funded by KIIFB. Consequently, KITE withdrew from the Internet project for schools.
Meanwhile, the government also directed schools to retain the BSNL connections by utilising their own money, if necessary. It is pointed out that most schools are hesitant to do this as it involves an annual expense of Rs 10,000.