The department of technical education. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, March 11: The technical education department is carrying out talks with the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), Ahmedabad, for repair and re-installation of the now-defunct Edusat programme equipment at the Biju Patnaik Film and Television Institute, Cuttack.

The Edusat programme was launched in 2004 for government technical institutes. About 20 institutes were connected via this programme by 2006, but the programme was discontinued after the equipment turned defunct.

The aim of the programme was to connect government polytechnic institutes and ITIs in the state through virtual classrooms in order to meet the dearth of lecturers in specialised subjects.

Digital educational content was supposed to be developed for the students of first year on common subjects such as mathematics, physics and electronics as part of the programme. Under this scheme, an entire classroom was supposed to be connected with other classrooms across the state.

“We communicated to the Isro about two weeks ago and they will shortly send their officials here,” said a senior official in the department.

About nine satellite-interactive terminals will be set up in various government institutes as a part of the proposal.

Exclusive digital content will also be prepared for the project, which will be operational by the next academic session.

“A Calcutta-based firm has been given the responsibility to provide the equipment for the virtual classrooms,” the official said.

“Isro had sanctioned the bandwidth for the Edusat programme in 2006. But, the programme was discontinued following breakdown of equipment and the bandwidth licence was also cancelled. Since we do not have to apply afresh for the bandwidth, the renewal will not take much time,” the official said.

Another official said the programme will have additional provisions such as interactive software integrated learning wherein students will be able to get information about industry institute interface, campus interviews, conduct group discussions and share technology and services

The funds for the project will be provided by the Centre, whereas the recurring expenses will be borne by the state government.