CM Stalin to roll out TN laptop scheme today with i3 processor, 8GB RAM for 10 lakh college students

Chennai: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to roll out the first phase of the Tamil Nadu government’s large-scale laptop distribution initiative, titled "Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil" (The World in Your Hands), on Monday. In this phase, 10 lakh laptops will be handed over to college students across the state, reflecting the government’s focus on strengthening digital access in higher education.

An official statement from the Tamil Nadu government said the scheme aligns with the DMK administration’s wider emphasis on student welfare and inclusive development. Since assuming office, the Stalin-led government has introduced several education-focused initiatives such as the Tamil Pudhalvan scheme, the Innovative Women scheme, the First-Generation Graduate scheme, Post-Matric Scholarship programmes, and Social Justice Hostels. These measures aim to widen educational opportunities and address socio-economic challenges faced by students.

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Continuing these efforts, the Chief Minister had earlier announced a plan to distribute 20 lakh laptops to college students in two phases. The objective of the programme is to equip students with the digital skills needed in a technology-driven environment.

The launch event for the first phase is scheduled to take place at 3 pm on Monday at the Chennai Trade Centre. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin is expected to participate in the function.

Under the scheme, students enrolled in government engineering colleges, arts and science colleges, medical, agricultural and law institutions, polytechnics, and industrial training institutes will receive laptops. In the first phase alone, 10 lakh students from these institutions are set to benefit.

The laptops supplied under the programme are sourced from international brands including Dell, Acer and HP. Each device features an Intel i3 processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD storage, Windows 11 Home operating system, MS Office 365 software, and a high-quality laptop bag.

Officials said the initiative would significantly enhance students’ digital capabilities and improve their employment prospects. Access to modern technology will enable students to pursue opportunities in information technology, software development, data entry, digital marketing, graphic design, coding, web design and emerging areas such as artificial intelligence.

The government noted that the scheme would help increase household incomes, reduce the rural-urban digital divide, and open up avenues for technology-based entrepreneurship.

Describing it as a landmark educational reform, the administration said the programme gives concrete shape to Tamil Nadu’s vision of inclusive digital development and prepares students to compete effectively in a rapidly evolving global economy.

IANS