Free laptop scheme reloaded, 1 gadget for 4 students

A senior official from the Special Programme Implementation Department, the nodal agency for monitoring people’s welfare scheme, told DT Next that only a few lakh computers could be purchased due to various reasons, including fund crunch.

“In addition, since several lakh Class 10, 11, 12 and even college first year students are awaiting free laptops, it would be difficult for the government to immediately distribute the computers to others,” the official said. “We had advised School Education Directorate officials to suspend the plan to distribute laptops to Class 8 and 9 students since they have more time to receive it.”

A senior official from the Directorate of School Education clarified that since the announcement was made and students would be very curious, authorities were thinking of distributing at least one laptop that could be shared by four students. “The laptops will be kept in classes and the students will not be allowed to take it home”, he added. The School Education Department had recently announced that all Class 8 and 9 students will get free laptops from this academic year.

Accordingly, Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT), the IT wing of the State government, had floated tender to procure 13.30 lakh smart laptops through tenders at a cost of Rs 500 crore. Justifying the government decision to give one laptop for four students, the official said the government is in a tight situation regarding distribution of laptops to teachers as well. “More than 30,000 laptops have already been distributed to teachers in government and government-aided schools,” he added.

Stating that authorities have recommended the government to allocate more funds for free laptop schemes in the upcoming budget session in the State Assembly, the official said the decision of one laptop per four students might be altered later.