OVERVIEWBalchitravani, the State Institute of Educational
Technology (SIET) was set up by Government of Maharashtra (initially at Mumbai) under the
Centrally sponsored scheme of ‘INSAT FOR EDUCATION’ in February, 1984 for
planning and production of educational audio & video software for the school children
and teachers of Primary and secondary schools in the State.
In June, 1986, the Institute was shifted from Mumbai to Pune and it was renamed as
‘BALCHITRAVANI’ on 14th November, 1988.
The Institute is registered under the Societies Registration Act 1960 on 9th March, 1992
and has since been granted ‘Autonomous Status’. SIET, Pune, functions under the
administrative control of the Government of Maharashtra and continues to be fully funded
and supported by Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India under its
Educational Technology scheme.
Balchitravani nestles at the foot of the picturesque Hanuman Hill of Pune, a city which stands for a vast cultural, historical, industrial and educational heritage. Balchitravani has emerged as a landmark in children education through audio and video programmes. Since its inception the Institute has been actively involved in making learning experience joyful.
OBJECTIVES
To assist and advice the Department of Education, Government of Maharashtra, in respect of Educational Technology in the implementation of its educational policies and major programmes in the State of Maharashtra at all levels, both in formal and non-formal sectors. To produce all necessary material at reasonable cost for the achievement of these objectives.
ACTIVITIES
To produce educational Video and Audio Programmes for broadcast and non-broadcast modes. To conduct Television Orientation programmes for teachers and scriptwriters in Maharashtra, with a view to use the medium effectively to bridge the gap between rural and urban population. To encourage teachers to use electronic medium for making classroom teaching effective. To conduct training programme for technical personnel and various functionaries involved in production and use of educational media programmes as well as for teachers who would be using the teaching aids and material developed by the Institute. To undertake evaluation and research of programmes and material. To facilitate the primary schools in rural and remote areas for utilization of the programmes. To co-ordinate with the agencies responsible for preparing curriculum for the education at all levels both formal and non-formal. To encourage innovation and excellence in the production of educational material and/or media programmes and in doing so, to involve producers from outside agencies.
The curriculum-based programmes are mainly produced in Marathi. However, some special programmes are produced in English, Hindi and Sanskrit. The programmes not only concentrate on the school subjects like Science, Environment, Culture, Performing Arts, History, Language and Physical Education, but also emphasize on value education based on the Core-Elements incorporated in National Policy on Education.
'BALCHITRAVANI' has so far produced over 2500 ETV and Audio programmes in various subjects for the children in the age group of 5-11 and also for the teachers in primary schools. These programmes are regularly telecast via Doordarshan Channel 1 and 10 from Monday to Friday between 10.30-11.00 a.m.
A few selected programmes are made available on audio and video cassettes to the users with reasonable cost.
The Institute has a total staff of 121 personnel involved in the Production, Engineering and Administration sections.
The Institute is well-equipped with the latest audio and video technology. These includes
Betacam sp 3 CCD cameras, Video Recorders, and AB Roll Editing Suite. Full-fledged
Multicamera Studio, Sound Studio, Tele-cine facility and Video Projector.
SUPPLY OF COLOUR TV AND RADIO CUM CASSETTES PLAYER SETS
Under the Centrally sponsored scheme of supply of Colour Television sets to Zilla Parishad Primary schools in the State, so far 12708 Zilla Parishad Primary schools in the State have been supplied with Colour TV sets from 1993-94. The scheme is financed by 75% of Central Assistance and 25 % of the State share.
54,994 Zilla Parishad Primary schools in the State have also been supplied with Radio-cum-Cassette Player sets under the Centrally sponsored scheme. The Institute has supplied educational audio cassettes to these schools on various subjects.
