• Source:JND

Tamil Nadu News: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday launched a free laptop distribution scheme for college students, stating that the initiative is aimed at empowering youth through education and technology. He said the laptops should be seen not as a freebie, but as a tool to help students shape their future.

The scheme, titled Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil (The world is in your hands), focuses on improving digital access and skill development among students studying in government-run institutions. Addressing students at the launch event in Chennai, Stalin said the government views the programme as an investment in the next generation rather than an expense.

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He encouraged students to use technology meaningfully, saying artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that can help people work faster and better, but can never replace human thinking. He urged students to continuously upgrade their skills and aim to excel in their chosen fields.

Tamil Nadu: Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil Scheme Eligibility

The scheme covers students pursuing higher education in government colleges and institutions. Beneficiaries include those enrolled in polytechnic colleges and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). Students from engineering, arts and science, medicine, agriculture and law streams are eligible under the programme.

Tamil Nadu: Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil Scheme Laptops Specifications

The laptops will be provided from brands such as Dell, Acer and HP. Each device comes with an Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor, 8 GB RAM and a 256 GB SSD. The laptops will run on Windows 11 Home and BOSS Linux, and will include MS Office 365. Students will also receive a free six-month subscription to the Perplexity Pro AI platform.

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Tamil Nadu: Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil Laptop Scheme: How They Will Be Distributed

A total of 20 lakh laptops will be distributed under the scheme. In the first phase, 10 lakh laptops will be given to students. The state government has allocated Rs 2,000 crore for the current phase of the programme.

The government said the scheme adds to existing student welfare initiatives such as post-matric scholarships, the Naan Mudhalvan skill development programme and monthly financial assistance for college students.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, senior ministers and officials attended the event. Former ISRO Director Mylswamy Annadurai was the chief guest, while V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, was also present.

(With Inputs From PTI)

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