BANGALORE: Microsoft Corporation India Private Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Karnataka, for the roll-out of Microsoft's Partners-in-Learning program in the state. The program encompasses Microsoft's flagship India education initiative "Project Shiksha- Empowering the future' as well as two other initiatives namely Fresh Start and School Agreement. With the objective of ensuring access and training on the latest computer technologies to students and school teachers, Microsoft aims to reach out to over 400,000 students and over 20,000 teachers in Government schools (From Class III to Class XII) over the 5 year MoU period.

The MoU was signed by T.M. Vijay Bhaskar, IAS, Secretary to Government, (Primary & Secondary Education), Education Department, Government of Karnataka and Ravi Venkatesan, Chairman, Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd.

The MoU entails the setting up and running of 3 Microsoft IT academy centers in Bangalore, Gulbarga and Dharwad for delivering comprehensive teacher training. These will be world class facilities equipped with a state-of-the-art IT lab encompassing hardware, software, curriculum and staff for education delivery and administration. The MoU also entails the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive teacher training program, creation of a localized IT curriculum for students, rolling-out of teacher and student scholarship programs and setting up of a teachers portal.

Elaborating on Microsoft's vision for IT in education, Ravi Venkatesan, Chairman Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. said "As India moves towards being a knowledge economy, the creation of a vibrant and progressive intellectual pool and a digitally inclusive society will play a critical role in determining success. This will be largely triggered by the rate at which IT is integrated in the overall education process and by devising innovative ways to bridge the existing digital divide. With our Partner and Learning programme we seek to usher in a dynamic learning environment, wherein we enable affordable access to the latest computer technologies, availability of localized content and IT skills training for students and teachers."

Commenting on the MOU, T.M. Vijay Bhaskar, IAS, Secretary to Government, (Primary & Secondary Education), Education Department, Government of Karnataka, said, "We welcome our partnership with Microsoft and other partners for IT education in government schools and we are extremely optimistic that this will compliment the positive momentum achieved on our ongoing education programs in the State. Jointly with Microsoft, we seek to create an IT proficient generation of students in the state who are equipped to explore and leverage opportunities in today's competitive hi-tech economy."