“The Uttar Pradesh government’s Free Laptop Scheme, facilitated through the Digi Shakti Portal, is transforming education by providing free laptops, tablets, and smartphones to over one crore students. Aimed at digital empowerment, the initiative targets youth in higher education, requiring e-KYC verification for eligibility. The scheme bridges the digital divide, enhancing access to online learning resources.”
Uttar Pradesh Rolls Out Free Laptop Scheme Through Digi Shakti Portal
The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has launched an ambitious initiative to distribute free laptops, tablets, and smartphones to students across the state as part of the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme. The program, managed through the Digi Shakti Portal (digishakti.up.gov.in), aims to digitally empower over one crore students pursuing higher education, including undergraduate, postgraduate, medical, technical, and diploma courses. This initiative aligns with the Digital India mission, focusing on bridging the digital divide and enhancing access to online education.
Eligible students, including those from other states studying in Uttar Pradesh during the 2024-25 academic year, can benefit from the scheme. However, students must be enrolled in recognized institutions within the state, and their family’s annual income should ideally be below ₹2,00,000, though this criterion is not strictly enforced for all applicants. The scheme prioritizes final-year students and those in short-term courses in its initial phase, with subsequent phases covering other eligible students.
The Digi Shakti Portal serves as the backbone of this initiative, streamlining the process of data collection, verification, and device distribution. Unlike earlier misconceptions, students do not need to register or create login IDs on the portal. Instead, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions upload student data, which is then processed for e-KYC verification through the Meri Pehchaan Portal. To complete e-KYC, students visit digishakti.up.gov.in, select the e-KYC option, and verify their Aadhaar details. This ensures a paperless, efficient process, with no additional fees charged to students.
As of December 2024, over 37 lakh student records have been uploaded to the portal, with continuous updates from institutions. The government has allocated approximately ₹4,700 crore for the scheme, partnering with companies like Samsung, Acer, and Lava to supply devices. In the first phase, 2.5 lakh tablets and 5 lakh smartphones are slated for distribution, with laptops included in subsequent phases. Students receive updates on device allocation via SMS or email, and institutions notify them of distribution schedules.
The scheme also integrates educational content through the DigiShakti Adhyayan app, which provides access to online courses and career-related resources. Mobile Device Management (MDM) ensures device security, preventing data loss and enabling remote locking if devices are stolen. The initiative has been praised for its focus on rural and economically disadvantaged students, aiming to improve digital literacy and socio-economic outcomes.
However, challenges remain. Some students have reported delays in device distribution, with institutions still uploading data or facing verification issues. For instance, students at CMP Degree College and other institutions have been advised to submit documents like mark sheets and Aadhaar cards to resolve e-KYC errors. The government has urged students to check the portal regularly or contact their colleges for updates.
The Digi Shakti Portal also supports broader digital empowerment by offering access to government services and educational resources. By equipping students with modern devices, the Uttar Pradesh government is fostering a digitally inclusive education system, ensuring that even marginalized communities can leverage technology for academic and professional growth.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from the official Digi Shakti Portal, government announcements, and recent reports from credible platforms like sarkariyojana.com, uppolice.org, and cmpcollege.ac.in. Readers are advised to verify details through official channels for the latest updates.