Chennai, November 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has sanctioned Rs 2,000 crore for the implementation of the Vetri Laptop Scheme, which aims to provide free laptops to students pursuing higher education in government and government-aided institutions across the state.
The state government has issued an order granting administrative approval and laying down detailed guidelines for the scheme, which was announced in the 2026–27 Budget.
The initiative aims to strengthen digital literacy, improve technical skills and provide students from economically disadvantaged families with access to modern educational resources.
Under the scheme, first- and second-year undergraduate and diploma students enrolled in government and government-aided colleges during the 2026–27 academic year will be eligible. Beneficiaries will include students pursuing arts and science, engineering, polytechnic, industrial training, medicine, veterinary science, fisheries, agriculture and law courses.
The scheme will also cover third- and fourth-year students pursuing professional courses who did not receive laptops during the 2025–26 academic year. Engineering students will be provided higher-performance laptops equipped with Intel Core i5 processors or equivalent technology to meet their technical requirements.
A high-level steering committee headed by Chief Minister Vijay will supervise the programme, monitor its progress and coordinate implementation among the departments concerned.
The Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) has been entrusted with procuring laptops that meet the prescribed quality standards and technical specifications.
The government said the scheme is expected to benefit students from lower- and middle-income families who may otherwise find it difficult to purchase computers required for their studies. It is also intended to bridge the digital divide and improve students’ preparedness for opportunities in a technology-driven employment market.
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