Sat Jan 04 06:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Schools Lead Nation in Digital Infrastructure, but Disparities Remain

**New Delhi, January 4, 2025** – New data from the Ministry of Education’s Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) reveals a significant disparity in digital infrastructure between Delhi schools and the national average. While Delhi schools boast considerably higher rates of digital resources, challenges remain, particularly for students in government schools lacking access to devices.

According to the UDISE+ report, 99.1% of Delhi schools have functional desktops, compared to a national average of 32.4%. Similarly, Delhi leads in functional projectors (60.9% vs. 20.3% nationally), integrated teaching-learning devices (37.3% vs. 8.1%), and smart classrooms (74% vs. 24.4%). Assam, Bihar, and Jharkhand lag significantly in desktop access.

However, the report also highlights the digital divide within Delhi itself. While private schools generally outperform government schools in digitalisation, with higher rates of mobile phones and integrated devices, a government school principal (who chose to remain anonymous) noted that despite increased access to online learning facilities, a substantial number of students still lack the devices needed to participate in online classes. This was echoed by a government school teacher, Virendra Singh Yadav, who stated that approximately 30-35% of his students were unable to attend online classes when they were implemented in November.

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technologies in Delhi schools, according to Sudha Acharya, principal of I.T.L. Public School in Dwarka. She noted that teachers embraced innovation and moved beyond traditional textbooks.

The UDISE+ data is based on voluntary school submissions, and while it showcases Delhi’s progress, it also underscores the ongoing need to bridge the digital divide to ensure equitable access to education for all students.

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