Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati has emphasised the need for assessing the impact of smart classroom boards installed in schools operated by the Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC) Development Department on students’ learning outcomes.
During a video conferencing session from the New Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan on November 25, the Governor interacted with students, teachers, district collectors, and district-level officers from seven tribal-dominated districts—Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Koraput, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Rayagada, and Nabarangpur—to discuss the initiative’s effectiveness.
Under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program of the State Bank of India (SBI), smart interactive panels have been installed in 46 SSD schools across these districts, aiming to enhance digital learning in underserved areas.
The Governor stated that such evaluations would illuminate the benefits of technology-enabled education and encourage greater collaboration from other organisations in this direction.
Conducted in the Odia medium, the meeting saw enthusiastic participation from students, who shared with the Governor how digital classrooms have made learning more engaging and comprehensible. Teachers echoed this sentiment, highlighting increased student participation, improved academic results, and heightened interest in subjects like science and mathematics.
Expressing satisfaction over the feedback, the Governor remarked that smart classrooms will undoubtedly boost academic performance, strengthen teaching capabilities, and foster curiosity among students. “Technology can play a transformative role in the education of tribal children,” the Governor added, while underscoring the urgency of targeted initiatives to elevate literacy rates among tribal girls in the state.
The Governor also extended gratitude to SBI for its exemplary support and commended the coordinated efforts of the ST & SC Development Department and district administrations for ensuring seamless implementation.
The meeting was attended by B. Parameswaran, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the ST & SC Development, Minority & Backwards Classes Welfare Department; Smt. Rupa Roshan Sahu, Governor’s Commissioner-cum-Secretary; Ratna Teja Dinkar Akela, Chief General Manager of SBI, along with senior officials from Raj Bhavan, who actively participated in the discussions.
