The Digi Shakti Portal, launched by the Uttar Pradesh government, simplifies access to free laptops, tablets, and smartphones for over 1 crore students under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme. By automating data uploads through colleges and requiring only e-KYC, it ensures transparency and efficiency. The initiative supports digital education, targeting youth in higher education, with distributions ongoing in 2025.
Digi Shakti Portal: Empowering UP Students with Free Devices
The Uttar Pradesh government’s Digi Shakti Portal, accessible at digishakti.up.gov.in, is revolutionizing digital education by facilitating the distribution of free laptops, tablets, and smartphones to students across the state. Launched under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme, the initiative targets over 1 crore students pursuing higher education, including undergraduate, postgraduate, medical, technical, and diploma courses. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the program to bridge the digital divide, particularly for students from economically weaker sections, ensuring access to online learning resources.
Unlike traditional schemes requiring student registration, the Digi Shakti Portal eliminates the need for individual applications. Colleges and universities upload student data directly to the portal, streamlining the process. Students are only required to complete an e-KYC verification on the portal to confirm eligibility. This automated system enhances transparency and reduces bureaucratic hurdles, with institutions handling data submission for seamless device distribution. As of December 2024, over 27 lakh student records have been uploaded, with ongoing updates to include more eligible candidates.
The scheme, part of the broader Digital India initiative, aims to empower Uttar Pradesh’s youth by providing essential technology for academic and career growth. Devices are distributed free of cost, with no registration fees or additional charges. The government has allocated ₹4,700 crore for procurement, with companies like Samsung, Acer, and Lava participating in the tender process. Distributions began in December 2024, with specific events scheduled, such as the smartphone and tablet distribution at CMP Degree College on May 22-23, 2025.
Eligible students, including those in government and private institutions, must be Uttar Pradesh domiciles with a family income of up to ₹2 lakh annually. The portal also supports post-distribution activities, such as providing educational content via the Digi Shakti Adhyayan app, pre-installed on devices. This app delivers study materials and government scheme updates, enhancing digital literacy. Students receive SMS notifications about distribution schedules, ensuring timely access.
The initiative has garnered significant attention, with 38 lakh students registering on the portal by December 2021, when the scheme was first launched. The government plans to expand the program, with future phases targeting students in shorter-duration courses. The Digi Shakti Portal’s user-friendly interface allows students to check their e-KYC status and enrollment details, ensuring accountability. By leveraging technology, Uttar Pradesh is setting a benchmark for digital education, aiming to make the state a hub for tech-savvy youth.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from official government portals, news reports, and recent updates from credible sources like sarkariyojana.com, bharti-axagi.co.in, and tech.hindustantimes.com. All India Press is not responsible for inaccuracies in external content or changes in scheme details. Readers are advised to verify information through official channels like digishakti.up.gov.in.