The DMK government in Tamil Nadu, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, has announced the revival of the Free Laptop Scheme for students, as the state gears up for Assembly Elections in 2026. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who allege that the scheme is being reintroduced as an electoral tactic to lure first-time voters.
In a statement shared on X by Tamil Naud BJP State Secretary Dr. S.G. Suryah, the revival of the scheme was labeled a desperate move by DMK government.
The statement detailed the history of the Free Laptop Scheme and criticized the DMK for its inconsistent policies.
The Free Laptop Scheme was initially launched on September 15, 2011, under the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government led by then-Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. The scheme aimed to provide free laptops to students in Tamil Nadu to bridge the digital divide and enhance educational opportunities. It continued successfully until 2019, benefiting numerous students across the state and was discontinued temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic when industries across the world were shut down.
Suryah said that the Stalin-led DMK government had stopped the scheme just because it was introduced during the AIADMK period.
The statement further highlighted that when the DMK came to power in 2021, it justified the discontinuation of the laptop scheme by stating that the government was instead providing ₹1,000 monthly assistance to students. Suryah pointed out that despite students, parents, parties and academicians urging the government to reintroduce the scheme, it fell on deaf ears with the DMK government pointing out the weak fiscal situation. However, four years later, in 2025, the DMK government has decided to restart the Free Laptop Scheme, a move that Dr. Suryah alleges is motivated by the upcoming elections rather than genuine concern for students’ welfare.
Suryah also pointed out item number 163 of the DMK in its 2021 Assembly Election manifesto which promised that tablets with internet facility would be provided to higher secondary and college students.
“But, Stalin remained mute to this for the last four years. Now this 2025-26 academic year also being an election year, the DMK government has announced the scheme and has also floated tenders for the same. After saying, ‘Instead of free laptops, we are giving ₹1,000 per month!’ the DMK has suddenly developed a newfound affection for students. The youngsters of Tamil Nadu have realized. The DMK has ‘restarted’ the free laptop scheme having realized that their ‘vidiyal’ gimmicks won’t work anymore. With just days left for the academic year to start, when will tender be out, when will the procurement happen and it is highly improbably that the students will get laptops.”, Suryah said.
“Be it first-time voters or veterans, they’re for sure to ‘shut down’ the Stalin government.”, Suryah said.
விலையில்லா லேப்டாப்… தேர்தலுக்காக ரீ ஸ்டார்ட் செய்யும் ஸ்டாலின் ஆட்சி… ஷட் டவுன் தான்!
“இலவச லேப்டாப்புக்கு பதிலாகத்தான் மாதம் ஆயிரம் ரூபாய் தருகிறோமே!” என்று சொன்ன தி.மு.க-வுக்கு இன்று திடீர் பாசம் பொத்துக் கொண்டு வந்துவிட்டது.
அறிக்கை… pic.twitter.com/lTvnowjFNX
— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) May 24, 2025
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