Union Government has allocated more than Rs. 818 crore to promote online learning to mitigate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic.<br />'' <br />''In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today, Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said that over Rs. 267 crore have been allocated for online teacher training.<br />'' <br />''The Minister said, internet access under Bharat Net scheme has been made available to government institutions and to improve the internet connectivity in rural areas.<br />'' <br />''He said, his Ministry has held several consultations with the States and Union Territories to ensure that the school going students do not lag behind in their studies during COVID-19 pandemic.<br />'' <br />''He said, various initiatives like PM e-Vidya, Diksha platform, E-textbooks rationalization of syllabus for examination, Manodarpan were started for the benefit of the students.<br />'' <br />''Replying to another question, Mr. Nishank said, the online content has been increased from 20 to 40 per cent in regular degree programmes.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">He said, through Swayam Prabha initiative, the Education Ministry is providing 34 educational TV channels covering educational contents for schools and higher educational institutions. </span><br />