India utilises public-private partnerships through SPVs or bidding processes to set up roads, ports, airports, health and educational infrastructure. PPP is also being used as a way to meet the challenges presented by the education sector. In PPP projects the various stakeholders contribute not just finance but bring in expertise and project management talents. Advantages include: cost sharing; risk sharing; knowledge and resource sharing; and innovations to meet challenges.
Creating Social Infrastructure — IL&FS Education and Technology Services
IL&FS Education and Technology Services (IETS), was set up in 1997 by IL&FS — a pioneer in public-private partnerships in India. IETS is working with several state governments in various aspects of education such as creation of multi-media learning modules for transmission through EDUSAT; computer aided learning; capacity building of teachers; English language teaching; classroom management; soft-skills training; as well as design and implementation of MIS systems for schools.
Project Prakash
Among the many projects is a partnership with the Pimpri – Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and the Science and Technology Park to transform 152 schools to global standards. This holistic transformation project will impact around 60,000 students.
Conceived as an 'integrated project', Project Prakash is all set to change the way teaching-learning takes place. Goals and interventions in the transformation process were set by a Joint Review Mission, which assessed the status of schools, defined areas in need of improvement, and recommended action points. Each intervention is planned in an integrated manner with the participation of every stakeholder.
The project is focusing on providing quality education from Balwadi to 10th standard students. Specific interventions are designed to uplift the performance of students with special needs. All the 152 schools of PCMC will undergo transformation to meet global standards in all aspects of education such as:
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Create multimedia content based on syllabus
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Introduce English, Math, and Science kits
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Introduce Computer Aided Learning for students and teachers
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Train teachers in English, IT, Classroom Management, Behavior Modification techniques and care of special needs children
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Set up state of art IT infrastructure in terms of computer labs with Internet connectivity
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Linking of all schools through WAN
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MIS systems for administration
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Intranet and Internet website and portals for the schools
The partnership will go on for a period of three years and in that time the PCMC schools will be self sufficient, achieve global standards, and contribute towards the creation of a knowledge based society.
