Who will teach computer skills? 3,818 government schools told to discontinue ICT instructors

The education department has directed 3,818 government schools across the state to immediately discontinue the services of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) instructors after the Central Government failed to approve funding for the program for the financial year 2026-27.

The decision comes after the Ministry of Education, Government of India, did not approve the financial assistance required to continue the initiative during the current financial year.

In response, the state education department has instructed the affected schools to stop engaging instructors appointed to operate their ICT laboratories.

The directive is expected to affect computer education and digital learning activities in government schools where ICT laboratories were established to provide students with access to technology-based education.

The initiative was introduced to familiarize students with computers, improve digital literacy and help them acquire basic technical knowledge. Through these laboratories, students were able to learn computer operations and participate in various digital learning activities.

According to news reports, the department's instructions cover all 3,818 government schools operating under the program. The discontinuation of instructor services will take effect immediately.

ICT instructor withdrawal: Impact on computer education

ICT laboratories have provided students in government schools with opportunities to gain practical exposure to computers and digital tools. The facilities were intended to complement classroom teaching by introducing technology-based learning activities.

Instructors played a role in managing these laboratories and helping students understand basic computer operations. They also guided students during practical sessions and facilitated their participation in digital learning activities.

The withdrawal of their services could disrupt the regular functioning of these facilities. Schools may face difficulties conducting computer-based lessons and organizing laboratory sessions without instructors to operate the equipment and assist students.

Students may also lose access to regular guidance while learning computer applications and carrying out digital activities. This could particularly affect those who depend on school laboratories for their initial exposure to computers and technology.

The initiative was aimed at strengthening digital literacy among government school students by making computer-based education part of their learning experience.

However, the non-approval of central funds for 2026-27 has led the state education department to order the immediate discontinuation of ICT instructor services in the 3,818 schools.