The BK Modi-promoted Spice Group is planning to launch a Rs 500-crore (Rs 5-billion) e-education initiative for lower middle and middle-class sections of the country.
As part of the initiative, the group will launch about 100 courses, both professional and vocational, to cater to people in small cities. The company hopes that the initiative, which is at the the planning stage currently, would begin by the year-end.
"Our education has to become digital and computers can bring about this change in the education system. We are launching ths initiative to offer education, be it primary, secondary, professional or vocational, to all," said B K Modi, chairman, Spice Group.
The group has identified a centre in Noida where content for the courses and softwares would be developed.
However, the company also expects government support in the form of less expensive broadband and wireless connections. "We will also set-up the infrastructure for those who can't afford to work from home. But in this, we expect the government to cooperate by not taxing the infrastructure for educational purposes," said Modi.
Spice Group has interests in telecom, technology, financial services, and media and entertainment.
The company recently ventured into the film, television and music business.by investing Rs 400 crore (Rs 4 billion) through a new firm Spice Enfotainment.
