Calls for stronger public-private-community partnerships to advance equitable opportunities and sustainable social development
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 18: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, on Tuesday inaugurated state-of-the-art ICT Labs established in five Government Schools across the District under a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative funded by NTT DATA and implemented by ELFA International, marking a significant step towards strengthening digital education and expanding equitable access to technology-enabled learning opportunities.
The inauguration ceremony was held at Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GGHSS), Nawakadal, where Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and inaugurated the ICT Labs established in five educational institutions including Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Nawakadal, Government Boys High School, Dara, Government Boys High School, Panzinara, Government Boys High School, Bakshipora and Government Girls High School, Balhama.
The initiative, supported by NTT DATA and ELFA International, under its CSR programme was aimed to foster stronger collaboration among the Administration, Corporate sector and Community, thereby contributing to the overall welfare and development of the society.
Following the inauguration, the Deputy Commissioner interacted virtually with the faculty members and students of the other four beneficiary schools. He urged the students to make optimum use of the newly established ICT facilities and leverage digital resources to enhance their learning, skills and exposure to technology.
Addressing the gathering, the DC said that access to digital tools can significantly enhance student motivation, strengthen foundational competencies and broaden learning opportunities, particularly for students studying in schools located in remote areas of the district. He appreciated NTT DATA for supporting the initiative through its CSR programme and ELFA International for effectively implementing the project, stating that such interventions demonstrate the positive impact that responsible corporate participation can have in strengthening public education infrastructure.
The DC remarked that the establishment of ICT Labs is not merely about introducing technology into classrooms, but about opening new horizons of opportunity for students who have long faced limited access to digital resources. He emphasized that technology-enabled education can help students acquire the confidence, skills and competencies needed to participate meaningfully in an increasingly digital world.
Underscoring the importance of collaboration, the DC called for stronger public-private-community partnerships, stating that coordinated efforts by the administration, corporate sector and community can create equitable opportunities for students and contribute substantially to sustainable social development and the overall welfare of society.
He also urged ELFA International to continue undertaking similar CSR-led initiatives in District Srinagar, appreciating the organization’s efforts towards strengthening the education ecosystem and complementing government initiatives through meaningful community-focused interventions.
The CEO & President, ELFA International, while speaking on the occasion, stated that the ICT Lab initiative, supported by NTT DATA under its CSR programme, is aimed not only at providing infrastructure but also at creating an enabling environment where students can develop curiosity, confidence, digital awareness and practical capabilities.
Adding that ELFA International remains committed to working with corporate partners such as NTT DATA and the administration to implement initiatives that generate long-term social impact. He also assured that the organization would continue to undertake and support similar initiatives in the future to further strengthen digital education and expand technology-enabled learning opportunities for students across District Srinagar.
The event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mir Imtiyaz-ul-Aziz, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Aadil Fareed Srinagar, IAS Probationer, Aakash Garg, Chief Planning Officer Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Personnel Officer DSEK, Iqbal Hussain Mir, Chief Education Officer, Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Bhat, Principal GGHS School, Dr. Benazir Chalku, CEO & President ELFA International, Nawab Mehran Khan, Senior Vice President, Iftikhar Ahmad Mir along with senior team members of ELFA International besides, Students and Faculty members of the School.
