Karnataka Government To Give Free Laptops For 1.5 Lakh BPL Students

The Karnataka government has announced a free laptop scheme for all professional and undergraduate students who fall under the Below poverty line (BPL) category and have an income of less than Rs 2.5 lakh/annum.

"The Karnataka government has approved the scheme for students in government and government-aided colleges in the state. The scheme will be extended to engineering, diploma, medical and dental students," law minister TB Jayachandran said.

The initiative is expected to cost Rs 300 crore for the project. According to the budget, about 1.5 lakh students will benefit from the scheme. "The new scheme will cover students from all castes and community in the state and there will be no discrimination," the law minister added.

But there is no clarity on whether BPL students in private universities will receive the benefits. The cabinet also cleared additional benefits worth Rs 37 crore for students in government residential schools.