Under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme, the Uttar Pradesh government is distributing free laptops and smartphones to students to boost digital education. Recent distributions in colleges across UP highlight the scheme’s focus on empowering youth with technology, aiding academic and skill development.
UP’s Digital Push for Student Empowerment
The Uttar Pradesh government’s Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana continues to make strides in bridging the digital divide for students across the state. On July 1, 2025, at Maa Maturni Devi Mahavidyalaya in Belthra Road, 166 female graduate students received smartphones, while 26 pharmacy and other students were handed tablets to enhance digital education. This initiative, backed by a ₹3,600 crore budget approved under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, aims to distribute 25 lakh smartphones in its next phase, with recent reports confirming over 48.6 lakh Android devices already provided to students statewide.
The scheme targets students in higher education, including those pursuing graduate, postgraduate, technical, and vocational courses. On June 29, 2025, at Priyadarshi Ashok PG College in Sonbhadra, five MA students received free tablets, underscoring the program’s commitment to postgraduate education. Similarly, in April 2025, over 1,000 tablets were distributed at United Group of Institutions in Prayagraj, organized jointly with Government ITI, Naini. These efforts align with the state’s vision of fostering a tech-savvy youth ready for a digital economy.
Recent posts on X highlight the scheme’s impact, with the UP government announcing plans to procure an additional 25 lakh smartphones for distribution, as shared by
@UPGovt
on January 23, 2025. The initiative, part of the UP DG Shakti scheme, emphasizes equipping students with tools for e-learning and skill development. In Lucknow, on April 25, 2025, around 50 female students at Mahila Mahavidyalaya Degree College received smartphones, with officials noting the devices’ role in facilitating academic progress.
While the scheme has been widely praised, some sources, like sarkariyojn.co.in, reported on July 2, 2025, that a related Free Laptop Yojana may extend to students of classes 10 and 12, with funds directly transferred to bank accounts for laptop purchases. However, these claims remain unverified by official channels, and the primary focus remains on higher education students. The government plans to release an eligibility list for laptop distribution on July 4, 2025, to streamline the process.
The initiative has not been without challenges. Some students have raised concerns about delays in distribution and device quality, though the government has assured timely rollouts and quality checks. Minister Anil Kumar, speaking at a Lucknow event on June 26, 2025, emphasized that technology is no longer optional but essential, reinforcing the scheme’s role in preparing students for a tech-driven future. With a five-year roadmap, the program aims to empower over 2 crore students, making it one of India’s largest digital education initiatives.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, official statements, and posts on X. Information regarding the Free Laptop Yojana for classes 10 and 12 remains unverified and should be cross-checked with official sources. All India Press relies on credible sources but advises readers to verify details independently.