Punjab to launch scheme to distribute smartphones

The Punjab government has decided to start distribution of smartphones to students free of cost, on August 12. In order to avert any kind of large gatherings, the government has decided to launch the scheme at 26 different locations in Chandigarh and Punjab. All the district headquarters and also some major towns will be covered under this scheme.

Background

The state government had announced to give smartphones to all boys and girls studying in Class XII in all the government schools in the state. The reason is that online classes have become very much necessary in this pandemic situation. There are many students who cannot afford to buy smartphones and access courses. The state government will distribute smartphones in order to bridge the gap.

Details of the Scheme

The state government is going to fulfil its promise by giving the smartphones that will be useful for accessing information for the youths of the state. The government has received the first consignment of 50000 smartphones and the remaining will be sent to the state very soon. In the first phase of the scheme, 1.75 lakh phones would be distributed by the state government. This is in line with the promise by the Congress party before the elections. However, only 15 students will be invited at each location for this program, due to the pandemic situation in the state as well as the whole world.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2020