MARGAO
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Digambar Kamat on Saturday said he would take up with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant the issue of giving financial grants directly to schools that excel in AI and Robotics.
The minister was speaking to the media after inaugurating a robotics exhibition organised by the Centre of AI and Robotics at Mahila & Nutan English High School, Comba, Margao.
The demand was raised by school chairman Sudin Naik, who urged the government to provide grants straight to schools for AI and Robotics.
Seeking government support for the initiative, Naik said that at present grants are routed through private agencies for consultancy services.
“We request the government to give the grant directly to schools and conduct an audit. Mahila & Nutan High School is promoting AI and Robotics in a big way. Direct grants will further boost the activity,” he said.
Responding to the request, Kamat assured full support from the government to take the programme forward.
He said he would discuss with the Chief Minister during budget discussions the proposal to provide special grants directly to schools that perform well in AI and Robotics, subject to audit.
“Instead of funding commercial vendors who work for profit, grants given straight to schools will strengthen the programme,” Kamat said.
