BJP's 'Quran In One Hand, Computer In The Other' Approach For Education Commendable: Minority Leader

Lucknow, December 18 (TNA) In celebration of Minorities Rights Day, Asif Zaman Rizvi, former Deputy Incharge of Jharkhand BJP Minority Morcha and Ex-Member of National Executive, BJP Minority Morcha, has praised the BJP-led governments for their visionary approach to promoting inclusive education for minority students.

This commendable effort, summarized in the mantra "Quran in one hand, Computer in the other," reflects a commitment to blend traditional values with modern tools, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive education for minority communities across India.

Taking a critical stance on the previous Congress-led Manmohan Singh government, Asif Rizvi pointed out that historical data reveals persistent digital divides for minority students, hindering their access to essential digital tools. In contrast, the BJP's strategy aims to redefine this narrative by seamlessly integrating technology into the educational framework. During the Manmohan Singh era, approximately 40% of minority students lacked access to essential digital tools, a gap that has seen a modest reduction to 35% under the Modi government, signifying a gradual improvement.

Asif Rizvi emphasized the ongoing efforts of the BJP government, particularly in light of the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) during the Manmohan Singh government. The report revealed that nearly 50% of minority students faced challenges attending online classes due to device and connectivity issues. Under the Modi government, this figure has decreased to 45%, highlighting the strides made in ensuring seamless digital access for minority students.

Highlighting key initiatives under the BJP-led Modi government, Asif Rizvi mentioned the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA), launched in 2017 as a pivotal component of the Digital India initiative. PMGDISHA aims to provide digital literacy to individuals, including minority students, fostering an environment where technology becomes an integral part of their educational journey.

Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) has seen a significant boost in funds in the 2022-23 budget, emphasizing the government's commitment to addressing infrastructure limitations and enhancing educational opportunities for minority students. The Digital India initiative, launched in 2015, envisions a digitally empowered society, with substantial budgetary support reaching INR 10,000 crore in the 2022-23 budget, demonstrating active investment in digital infrastructure, training programs, and educational resources, with a focus on minority communities.