Patna, April 9: Deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi today stressed English and computer knowledge for SC/ST students for a bright future.

He was launching the Computer Aided Learning (CAL) programme for students of residential schools under SC/ST welfare department at AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies.

Under this programme, the SC/ST residential school students can learn through a computer called K-Yan in the classroom and under this programme, around 16,000 SC/ST students will get benefited.

Commenting on the importance of English and computer knowledge, Modi said: “I appreciate the work launched by the SC/ST department but it’s very important for SC/ST students to know English. The way the department is doing work in the field of education for this particular class, the same way they must start spoken English classes for them. Speaking English for the SC/ST students is also important like acquiring knowledge through books because later when they go to search jobs in the market, spoken English plays a pivotal role in getting jobs. They should not feel inferior to others.”

He added: “Earlier, I was against English myself but with passage of time, perspective changes. So in today’s scenario, English is very essential. It changes the personality of an individual and people respect them. SC/ST students need to know this language urgently and need to join the mainstream of society.”

Modi said: “I also want that the SC/ST welfare department starts teaching computer at every school and college. In the age of competition, students should not get left behind. Overall development is more important than just acquiring bookish knowledge. We have around 1.7 crore SC/ST population in Bihar and if this section is neglected then it’s not possible for the state to develop. We want to take this caste ahead with shoulder to shoulder along with other castes.”

Elucidating on CAL programme, SC & ST welfare department secretary Ravi Parmar said: “In the first phase under this programme, 51 K-Yan computers in SC residential school and 15 in ST residential school will be installed. Basically, this computer will help students to learn through visual and sound, which is more effective. It is installed with the syllabus and course through CD and DVD. It will have interactive learning and will make the school a place of joyful learning. It also helps when there is scarcity of teachers. Three such computers will be installed in each residential school.”