LUCKNOW: The second phase of the tablet distribution campaign under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme commenced in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, aiming to connect young people with digital education and technical resources. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the drive from Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. During the inaugural event, tablets were distributed to more than 50,000 students and trainees from 300 educational institutions across four districts, including Lucknow, Hardoi, Sitapur, and Unnao.
Tribute to Birsa Munda and Scheme Origins
The second phase sets a target to distribute tablets to a total of 25 lakh youths across the state. According to the Chief Minister, over 60 lakh students have already received smartphones and tablets during the first phase, moving closer to the government’s initial target of providing digital devices to two crore young people. Explaining the significance of launching the campaign on November 15, Yogi Adityanath highlighted the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, noting his struggle against British rule at the age of 25 for the nation’s self-respect and freedom. He urged youths to draw inspiration from Birsa Munda, Swami Vivekananda, Rani Lakshmibai, and Chandrashekhar Azad, stating that the confidence and hard work of young people are driving visible transformation in Uttar Pradesh.
The Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme was originally launched on December 25, 2021, marking the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. At that time, the COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted classroom teaching and examinations, leaving many students without smartphones or tablets for online education. To address this gap, the state government decided to equip students with technical resources. The Chief Minister noted that these devices not only enabled students to continue their studies and take online exams but also fostered digital entrepreneurship.
Call for Productive Digital Usage
Advising students not to limit tablet usage merely to entertainment, Yogi Adityanath appealed to them to maximize the devices for academic growth and competitive exam preparation. He encouraged students to access digital libraries and stay informed about global developments and emerging technologies. Describing India as the world’s youngest nation with youths comprising around 56 percent of the population, he pointed out that this demographic share in Uttar Pradesh stands between 56 and 60 percent. He emphasized that this large youth population is the state’s greatest strength, urging young citizens to recognize their potential and advance through skill and diligence.
Deputy CM Targets Previous Regime
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak praised the initiative to provide digital resources to students while targeting the previous Samajwadi Party government. He alleged that under the earlier administration, Uttar Pradesh had become identified with country-made firearms, whereas today’s youths hold computers, mobile phones, and tablets supplied according to their academic needs.
Pathak also highlighted improvements in the state’s power sector, claiming that past uncertainties over electricity supply have been replaced by efforts to ensure 24-hour power availability. Describing Uttar Pradesh as a revenue-surplus state, he added that the identity of the state’s youth has undergone a positive shift. The state government maintains that once the second-phase target of 25 lakh devices is achieved, students will gain broader access to digital avenues in education, skill development, and employment.
