EMIS system 'always breakdown'

The Education Management Information System (EMIS) introduced during the Rajapaksa regime is lying idle due to the lack of adequate computers and internet facilities, officials complained.

This system (EMIS) had been established with the co-operation of the University of Moratuwa with the aim of preparing a database of Information of Teachers and the Management of the Teacher's Services affiliated thereto, the supply of the services required for the office system, etc.

A sum of Rs.64.06 million out of funds of the Education for a Knowledgeable Society Project (EKSP) had been spent from March 2011 to 31 December 2014.

A sum of Rs.900,000 (excluding tax) on 27 February 2012 under the first stage for the creation of the Data Base for the Teachers.

A sum of Rs.13.88 million (excluding tax) paid on 27 June 2013 under the second stage for the creation of Modules based on the data in the first stage, to the University of Moratuwa.

However, the system could not be operated properly by the end of the year 2017/18 under review.

Action had been taken to create a Shadow Data System by the Information Technology Branch of the Education Ministry after planning the completion of the National Education Management Information System by 31 December 2018.

Operation of data relating to the management of human resources of teachers had been commenced by zonal offices by which their personal files are maintained.

Further, a new server had been obtained instead of the server operated by the University of Moratuwa and the process of transfer of data to the new server was being carried out.

However, there was difficulty in performing this function as expected due to delays in entering data and due to lack of adequate computers and internet facilities.