Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to kick off the first phase of the “Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil” (The World in Your Hands) program on Monday. This initiative aims to enhance technology access for college students in the state. The launch event will take place at the Chennai Trade Centre, with Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also in attendance.
The state government plans to distribute 10 lakh laptops to students enrolled in government higher education institutions under the initial phase of the scheme. This distribution will cover various educational sectors, including engineering, arts, science, medical, law, polytechnics, and ITIs. The larger goal is to provide a total of 20 lakh laptops to college students in two phases, as announced by the Chief Minister earlier.
The program is designed to bridge the digital gap and ensure that students from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds are not left behind in the technology-driven education and job landscape. It aligns with the government’s student-centric welfare initiatives and aims to enhance students’ employability by boosting digital literacy, software skills, and exposure to emerging technologies like AI tools and coding platforms.
The laptops, sourced from renowned global manufacturers like Dell, Acer, and HP, will be equipped with Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processors, 8 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD storage. Each device will come pre-installed with Windows 11, BOSS Linux, and MS Office 365, along with a six-month free subscription to the AI-powered Perplexity Pro platform. Beneficiaries will also receive a high-quality laptop bag to complement their learning and skill development.
The state government emphasizes that the initiative goes beyond academic support to empower students for future job markets. By expanding digital resources and enhancing skills in software and technology, the program aims to foster long-term social and economic mobility among students. It envisions equipping students with the necessary tools to compete effectively in a dynamic job landscape.
