Gujarat: 3.5 lakh students to get 'NAMO' tabs for Rs.1000
What's the story
There is good news for Gujarati college students, the government will give tablets to 3.5 lakh students for Rs. 1,000 each. While distributing the tabs to some students, CM Rupani said that the state government has earmarked Rs. 200cr for this scheme. He said the price of these tablets is Rs. 8,000 and the government wasn't giving it free because people don't value freebies.
Historical
In 2014, tribal students were promised tablets
In 2014, the Gujarat government had promised tablets to all the tribal students in Gujarat "who score more than 70 per cent marks in their higher secondary examination". The government said it had put aside Rs. 1,377.70 crore for this.
15 Jun 2017
Gujarat government promises tablets to first years college students
In an attempt to woo young voters, the Gujarat government promised to give tablets to first year college students. The tablets which are being produced by Lenovo and Acer will be sold to the students at Rs. 1000. In the first phase, almost 4 lakh students will get these tabs. The only criterion to receive the tabs would be securing admission in first-year college.
Information
What is the NAMO E-Tab
NAMO E-Tab is the acronym for 'New Avenues of Modern Education through Tablets' and are being provided to socially and educationally backward classes' students who have passed class 12 and secured college admissions. These tabs have front/back camera and voice calling facility, amongst other features.
Details
Gujarat CM distributes tabs, takes a dig at Opposition
While distributing 'NAMO E-tablets' Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani took a dig at the Opposition Congress and said that his party does not view the youth as its vote bank like the Opposition. He said the Opposition promises the world during elections but never fulfills. He also said that the current government understood the 'middle class' and hence had floated several schemes for them.