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The Tamil Nadu government has allocated around Rs 3,100 crore towards procuring laptops, electric fans, mixies and grinders. These will be distributed free of cost under the state government's two major 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.
