India can become world's edtech capital: Amitabh Kant

Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant expressed confidence that India can become the edtech capital of the world, with the private sector playing a key role and the public sector acting as a facilitator.

"India needs to significantly improve its learning outcomes and technology can help us leapfrog in a big way," said by Amitabh Kant while addressing the 8th National Forum of the Public Affairs Forum of India (Pafi) on Friday.

"I am confident that India can become the edtech capital of the world with the private sector playing a key role and the public sector acting as a facilitator," he added.

According to Amitabh Kant, with the help of artificial intelligence throwing up data can make it possible to hold specialised classes for the students on a real time basis, consequently improving outcomes. "This will greatly benefit students and teachers," he said, adding that India as a whole will benefit as technology because of fast and affordable internet connectivity will help spread education up to the village level.

Reiterating that affordable internet and access to internet infrastructure is the key for India to enhance its learning outcomes, Kant said the government is committed to spread BharatNet under the public-private partnership to make sure every village has an affordable internet connectivity.

"We need the internet much more than physical infrastructure. We are well poised to take this forward but the private sector and many more young entrepreneurs can make India a global edtech hub," Kant added.

Speaking about the new education policy, Mr. Kant said that NEP has clearly responded to the strong demands to integrate technology at every level.

Admitting that the country is at the beginning of the edtech revolution, Kant said the sector is prepared for exponential growth and is looking forward to reach $40-45 billion over the next ten years.