West Bengal ends ₹10,000 student device grant, shifts to schools
India
West Bengal's government has announced the end of the ₹10,000 grant that helped class 11 and 12 students buy smartphones, tablets, or computers.
The scheme started in 2022 under Taruner Swapno by the previous TMC government.
Now, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari says the BJP-led administration will shift focus to improving schools with modern infrastructure instead of funding personal devices.
CM Adhikari seeks school mobile ban
Adhikari also wants to ban mobile phones in schools, following Gujarat's lead.
At a Teachers's Day event, he pointed out that mobiles can distract students and mess with their sleep.
He stressed that student well-being and academics should come first, so future reforms will prioritize better facilities over encouraging gadget use.