Smart boards non-functional at tech varsity

The Smart Classrooms project at Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST) has turned into a white elephant over the past two years. The initiative, worth over Rs 1.5 crore, involved the installation of Smart Interactive Panel Boards in classrooms to modernise engineering education at the university.

According to sources, the DCRUST administration undertook the project two years ago with the aim of enhancing the teaching experience for engineering students. However, due to unresolved technical issues and procedural lapses, the university failed to make the payment to the company that installed the smart boards.

Members of the Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Teachers’ Association (DCRUTA) have also raised concerns about the poor functioning of the smart boards and criticised the university administration for its lacklustre approach to improving classroom infrastructure.

Dr Ajay Dabas, president of DCRUTA, said the smart boards were installed with the intent of offering better educational tools to engineering students, but they have not been effectively utilised since their installation. “These boards have been used only in a limited manner and have not served their intended purpose for either students or faculty,” Dr Dabas said.

Some students reported certain smart boards remain locked, further hampering the effectiveness of the smart classroom initiative, he added.

Dr Dabas pointed out the ongoing dispute between the university administration and the installation company — stemming from non-payment — has impacted students. “The loss is being borne by the students,” he said.

Just a day before the Executive Council (EC) meeting on August 22, DCRUTA submitted a written complaint to the Vice-Chancellor detailing student grievances. These included not only the non-functional smart boards but also malfunctioning air conditioners and other essential classroom facilities.

DCRUTA has called for immediate intervention from the Vice-Chancellor, urging all smart boards be made fully operational. “Students who are paying their fees should not have to face such problems,” Dr Dabas stressed.

Vice-Chancellor Shree Prakash Singh stated the smart boards had been installed before his tenure began. “After installation, feedback was sought from all departmental chairmen and all submitted satisfactory reports,” the VC said.

The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the payment problem was still unresolved due to audit objections, as the necessary procedures were not followed during the initial procurement. He added that the matter has now been forwarded to the Director General, Technical (DGT) for approval so that payment can be made to the concerned company.