 "TN govt allocates Rs 3,100 crore for freebie schemes")
During 2014-15, the state government would distribute laptops to 550,000, and for this it has earmarked Rs 1,100 crore in the budget, according to a policy note tabled by Information & Special Programme Implementation minister K T Rajenthra bhalaji in the Assembly today.
During 2011-12 and 2012-13, students of government and government-aided schools, arts and science colleges, engineering colleges and polytechnics were covered.
However, from 2013-14, the laptop scheme was extended to only Plus two students of government and government-aided schools and first year students of government and government-aided polytechnics.
The free electric fans, mixies and grinders scheme was launched in September 2011.
Under this, 3.5 million beneficiaries would be covered during 2014-15 . A sum of Rs 2,000 crore has been allotted in the budget, said the policy note.
During 2011-12, 2.5 million beneficiaries were covered while in 2012-13 and 2013-14, it was 3.5 million beneficiaries per year.
The number of induction stoves distributed instead of fan was 34,000, 54,000 and 47,646 for the years 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 respectively.
This scheme is to be continued for the year 2014-15 also and 3.5 million beneficiaries are to be covered. A sum of Rs 2,000 crore has been allotted in the budget, said in the Policy Note.