UNNAYAN BANKA
Unnayan Banka was launched on 15 August 2017 in Banka district, Bihar, as an innovative education reform initiative aimed at transforming learning outcomes in government schools through technology-enabled classrooms. The project was conceived by District Magistrate Kundan Kumar in collaboration with Eckovation and supported through localized implementation by SARAS.
The initiative was introduced to address major challenges faced by rural schools, including low attendance, teacher shortages, limited access to quality learning resources, and lack of student engagement. Beginning with just five senior secondary government schools, the program introduced interactive audio-visual learning modules, smart classroom infrastructure, and curriculum-aligned digital content for students of Classes IX and X.
Under the project, students participated in daily learning sessions using animated educational videos, conceptual lessons, quizzes, and assessment activities. OMR-based evaluations and digital performance tracking systems helped identify learning gaps and improve academic monitoring. Teachers were trained to facilitate interactive learning environments while students received opportunities for doubt-solving and continuous assessment.
The success of the pilot resulted in rapid expansion across all 143 senior secondary government schools in Banka district. The project significantly improved classroom participation, attendance, and academic performance, eventually becoming the foundation for the larger statewide initiative known as Unnayan Bihar. Recognized under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts framework, Unnayan Banka emerged as a pioneering model for technology-driven public education reform in rural India.
The initiative also contributed to improving youth employability and career exposure in the region. As educational outcomes and skill readiness improved, Banka witnessed increased industry attention, including employment opportunities and recruitment drives by companies such as TCS, creating new pathways for local youth towards professional careers.
UNNAYAN BIHAR
Unnayan Bihar is a large-scale educational transformation initiative focused on improving learning outcomes in government schools through technology-enabled education, teacher empowerment, and interactive classroom learning. Following the successful pilot implementation in Banka, the Bihar Government adopted the model for statewide expansion in collaboration with Eckovation and SARAS.
The project introduced smart classroom infrastructure, digital learning content, audio-visual teaching methods, and performance tracking systems across thousands of under-resourced secondary schools in Bihar. Through interactive learning and teacher training programs, Unnayan Bihar significantly improved student participation, classroom engagement, and academic performance.
The initiative expanded to over 5,600 schools across all 38 districts of Bihar, helping bridge educational gaps in rural and underserved communities. Attendance levels reportedly increased from nearly 17% to over 50%, while student learning outcomes and classroom interaction saw measurable improvement.
Recognized nationally for its impact, Unnayan Bihar received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration and continues to serve as a scalable model for technology-driven educational reform in India.
SHIKSHA DARSHAN
Shiksha Darshan Rajasthan was launched in June 2020 as an emergency education initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, when school closures disrupted learning for millions of students across the state. Implemented by the Department of Education, Government of Rajasthan, in collaboration with Eckovation and other partners, the program was designed to ensure uninterrupted access to quality education despite lockdown restrictions and limited physical classroom access.
Recognizing the digital divide faced by many households, the initiative adopted a multi-platform learning model that combined television broadcasting, digital archives, and mobile-supported learning. Educational content was delivered daily through DD Rajasthan, allowing students in remote and underserved areas to continue learning using one of the most widely accessible mediums available—television.
The program featured curriculum-aligned lessons prepared by subject experts and experienced educators. Daily broadcasts were structured according to different grade levels, ensuring age-appropriate learning experiences. Classes for primary, upper-primary, secondary, and senior secondary students were scheduled throughout the day, covering subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Languages, and Life Skills. Recorded lessons were also made available through digital platforms, enabling students to revisit content whenever required.
Beyond content delivery, Shiksha Darshan focused on maintaining student engagement and continuity in learning. The initiative encouraged participation from teachers, parents, and local communities to support students studying from home. By combining traditional broadcast media with digital technology, the program successfully reached students who otherwise had limited or no access to online education resources.
The project emerged as an innovative response to one of the most challenging periods in modern education. It demonstrated how technology, public broadcasting, and collaborative partnerships could be leveraged to bridge learning gaps during crises. Through its statewide reach and inclusive approach, Shiksha Darshan helped safeguard the academic progress of millions of students across Rajasthan while establishing a scalable model for remote learning and educational resilience.
LG Electronics Skill
Development Project
The LG Electronics Skill Development Project is a collaborative initiative between LG Electronics India Ltd. and SARAS aimed at empowering youth through industry-relevant skill development, employability enhancement, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, the project equips aspiring candidates with the practical knowledge, technical competencies, and professional skills required to succeed in the retail and customer service sectors.
Through a structured training framework, participants receive comprehensive instruction in retail operations, customer relationship management, sales techniques, workplace behaviour, communication skills, grooming standards, and product handling. The program combines classroom learning with practical exposure, ensuring that candidates develop both technical expertise and the confidence needed to perform effectively in real-world work environments.
SARAS serves as the key implementation and coordination partner for the initiative, playing a central role in mobilizing candidates, managing training operations, coordinating assessments, and facilitating placement support. From community outreach and enrolment to monitoring attendance, maintaining documentation, and ensuring quality delivery, SARAS works closely with all stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of project activities and the achievement of desired outcomes.
The project also emphasizes assessment, certification, and employment linkage. Candidates are guided through evaluation processes conducted by authorized agencies and receive support in securing employment opportunities aligned with their skills and aspirations. Through career counselling, interview preparation, and placement assistance, the initiative seeks to create long-term pathways for professional growth and economic independence.
By combining industry expertise from LG Electronics with the grassroots implementation experience of SARAS, the project contributes to the development of a skilled and job-ready workforce. Beyond individual employment outcomes, the initiative creates broader social impact by enhancing workforce readiness, strengthening livelihood opportunities, and supporting the economic empowerment of youth from diverse communities. Through continuous training, mentorship, and industry engagement, the LG Electronics Skill Development Project is helping build a future-ready generation equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.