UP Cabinet Greenlights Massive Rs 3,000 Crore Tablet Procurement for Students
In a significant move to boost digital education, the Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved the procurement of 25 lakh tablets, estimated to cost approximately Rs 3,000 crore. These devices will be distributed free of cost to students under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme, as announced by Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi on Tuesday.
Distribution Timeline and Budgetary Allocation
The distribution process is set to commence shortly after the completion of procurement formalities. A substantial budgetary provision of Rs 2,000 crore has been earmarked specifically for this scheme in the financial year 2025-26. Importantly, the entire expenditure will be borne by the state government, ensuring no financial burden on beneficiaries.
Eligibility and Target Beneficiaries
The tablets will be provided free of cost to a wide range of students, including those enrolled in:
- Undergraduate programmes
- Postgraduate programmes
- Diploma courses
- Technical education programmes
- Health education courses
- ITI (Industrial Training Institute) programmes
- Skill development initiatives
The scheme also extends its benefits to skilled youth registered on the 'Seva Mitra' portal, thereby ensuring broader outreach among trainees and job seekers across the state.
Objectives and Expected Impact
This initiative is strategically designed to equip students with essential digital tools, preparing them for a technology-driven economy. Officials emphasize that the move will significantly improve access to:
- Online education platforms
- Digital learning resources
- Skill-based training programmes
"The initiative will help students pursue their studies more effectively and also enable them to access employment, self-employment, and various government and non-government opportunities in the future," Minister Nandi stated, highlighting the long-term benefits of the scheme.
Historical Context and Cost Analysis
Launched in the 2021-22 financial year, the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme has already benefited approximately 60 lakh youths through previous distributions of tablets and smartphones. Based on historical procurement trends, the cost of each tablet is estimated at around Rs 12,000.
The current procurement of 25 lakh tablets represents a substantial expansion of the programme, with the overall expenditure projected to reach Rs 3,000 crore. This investment underscores the state government's commitment to bridging the digital divide and fostering youth empowerment through technological access.
