As classrooms increasingly shift to online and blended modes of learning, access to technology has emerged as a critical factor shaping a student's academic future. Digital education has become not only necessary but highly effective in the present era.

While several initiatives have been launched at the national level to promote digital learning, a significant section of the population remains unaware of or unable to access online education.

Factors such as the digital divide between rural and urban areas, inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited internet connectivity and digital illiteracy continue to pose major challenges.

Recognising this gap, the Tamil Nadu government has announced the distribution of 10 lakh free laptops to college students across the State. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to formally launch the scheme at an event in Chennai. Titled 'Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil' (The World Is in Your Hands), the initiative is aimed at digitally empowering students and enhancing their employability and skill development.

In the first phase, the scheme will benefit 10 lakh students as part of a larger plan to distribute a total of 20 lakh laptops. The devices will come with updated specifications, pre-installed educational software and free access to Perplexity AI for academic use, equipping students with exposure to emerging AI-driven tools and learning methods.

By ensuring wider access to digital resources, the initiative seeks to enable students across Tamil Nadu to participate fully in digital education and strengthen their technological competencies.

Building on earlier student welfare programmes, the scheme represents a significant step towards long-term digital inclusion, with the potential to contribute to sustained economic and social mobility.