Karnataka: Education department extends AI-powered initiative to over 1000 government schools
Bengaluru: In a push to improve learning outcomes in government schools, the Department of School Education and Literacy has signed an agreement with EkStep Foundation to impart lessons using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The learning initiative, Kalika Deepa, was announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the 2025 Budget. It aims to help students strengthen their understanding of mathematics and enhance competency levels in English and Kannada using Artificial Intelligence-based tools, as reported by Deccan Herald on Thursday.
The move comes after encouraging results from a pilot project conducted in three schools in Koppal and Tumakuru districts during the 2024–25 academic year. Based on its success, the department has decided to expand the initiative to 1,145 schools across the state in the current academic year.
“There has been a noticeable improvement in English and Kannada reading skills, and in their Mathematical abilities,” read the circular issued by the department.
A total of 1,44,062 students are expected to benefit from the programme this academic year. The department has allocated Rs 1.38 crore for the initiative, which will cover the cost of internet connectivity, purchase of headphones, and training of resource personnel.
The programme will be implemented in schools that are equipped with computers. To ensure accountability and monitor progress, schools are required to upload monthly reports to the New Decision Supportive System (NDSS) portal detailing the use of allocated funds.
Additionally, a progress report on the implementation of Kalika Deepa must be submitted once every three months.
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India Post launches first ‘Gen Z’ post office in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: India Post has launched its first Gen Z Post Office in Bengaluru at the Acharya Institute of Technology, aiming to attract college students in an age dominated by emails, WhatsApp and social media.
According to a report published by The New Indian Express, Harsha MR, Assistant Superintendent, Bengaluru West Division Post Office, said the new post office, officially named Gen Z Post Office, Achit Nagar, Bengaluru (PIN 560107), will be inaugurated on Wednesday. It has been creatively designed and painted with graffiti by students of the institute to make it more appealing to young people.
He said “In the Gen Z post office, we have introduced two categories in one category, students can come and work with our staff and get good experience, know more about the schemes and services available under India Post”. “In another category, they can work with us part time and they will be provided with incentives but it is still in the pipeline and yet to be implemented.”
Harsha said the initiative is meant to bring postal services closer to students, researchers and the campus community. Similar Gen Z post offices are also planned at GITAM University and the National Law School of India University.
According to the report, they can also use the services to communicate with students across the campuses also. Unlike other post offices, it is a blend of physical and digital world giving students WIFI services, air-conditioned rooms and even coffee vending machines which Gen Z prefer to use.
Harsha said student representatives who will be in-charge of the campus work at post offices within the campus are yet to be decided.
“A roster will be prepared and different students will be given tasks to serve at various service counters. A senior post master will be in charge of Gen Z post offices and he will guide the students,” TNIE quoted Harsha as saying.
India Post officials allegedly said similar Gen Z post offices will soon be launched in Bengaluru North, South and East divisions as part of a broader effort to connect with younger generations.
