KINLEY KHANDU CHODEN | Thimphu
The government’s efforts to digitally transform its education system continue to face persistent challenges, as disparities between urban and rural schools remain significant despite ongoing government interventions.
In a recent response to the media, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) outlined its initiatives to expand digital access nationwide, while acknowledging that gaps in connectivity and infrastructure persist—particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
“The Ministry of Education and Skills Development has adopted a practical, needs-based approach to strengthening ICT infrastructure in schools,” the ministry stated.
The ministry said improving digital infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to technology remain central priorities.
Over the past few years, efforts have focused on distributing ICT equipment, introducing digital learning platforms, and strengthening internet connectivity through collaboration with relevant agencies.
“Most schools are now connected to high-speed internet through the national optical fibre network,” the ministry noted, adding that this has improved bandwidth and cost-efficiency across many institutions.
However, progress has not been uniform.
“For schools beyond fibre coverage, alternative solutions such as 4G/5G wireless leased lines are being deployed, and satellite-based options… are being explored,” the ministry stated.
Despite these efforts, the ministry acknowledged ongoing challenges. “However, challenges persist, particularly in remote and geographically difficult areas,” it said, citing terrain, weather conditions, and infrastructure vulnerabilities as key barriers.
The response reinforces concerns raised in earlier reporting, where teachers and students described ongoing struggles with unreliable internet connections, limited access to devices, and gaps in digital literacy.
In some rural schools, connectivity remains inconsistent, making it difficult for students to fully engage with digital learning tools.
Bhutan’s mountainous terrain continues to present a major barrier to infrastructure development.
Extending reliable internet services to remote communities requires significant investment and logistical coordination, often slowing progress compared to more accessible urban centres.
The ministry emphasised that bridging the digital divide is not solely the responsibility of the education sector, but requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach.
Partnerships with telecommunications providers and regulatory bodies are considered critical to expanding network coverage and improving service reliability.
To address these challenges, the ministry said it is implementing broader strategies. “The Ministry is implementing a multi-pronged strategy to ensure that no student is left behind,” it stated, highlighting continued investment in ICT resources and connectivity solutions.
Alongside infrastructure development, the ministry highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen digital capacity within schools.
Teacher training programmes aimed at integrating technology into classroom instruction are being implemented to ensure digital tools are used effectively.
Education stakeholders, however, caution that training alone may have limited impact without addressing fundamental inequalities in access.
Teachers in rural areas say that without stable internet connections or sufficient devices, the benefits of digital training cannot be fully realised.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed these disparities. During nationwide school closures, many urban students were able to transition to online learning, while students in rural communities were left behind due to connectivity challenges and lack of digital resources.
Although conditions have improved since the pandemic, the ministry acknowledged that gaps remain in understanding the full impact.
“While a comprehensive assessment of the direct impact of connectivity gaps on student learning outcomes has not yet been undertaken,” the ministry stated, efforts are ongoing to improve monitoring systems and evaluate progress.
The ministry also recognised the financial dimension of the challenge. Expanding infrastructure and maintaining digital systems require sustained investment, and budget limitations can affect the pace and scale of implementation.
In response, the government continues to prioritise digital development under broader national plans, recognising the role of technology in enhancing education quality and promoting equitable opportunities.
As the nation continues to invest in its digital future, the effectiveness of these efforts will ultimately depend on their ability to reach the most remote classrooms.
Until then, the digital divide remains a pressing issue—highlighting broader questions about the inclusiveness of the country’s development trajectory.
