The NAMO E-Tablet Scheme, a key initiative by the Gujarat government to provide subsidized digital devices to first-year college students, has faced a critical execution crisis, reportedly failing to distribute any tablets for the last two years. This lapse in implementation, despite a reported budgetary allocation of ₹200 crore, has left thousands of meritorious students from economically weaker sections without the essential digital tools required for higher education.
Digital Divide Widens as Distribution Stalls
The scheme, originally launched in 2017, aimed to promote digital literacy and reduce the financial burden on students by offering a quality branded tablet (such as Acer or Lenovo) at a nominal token fee of ₹1,000, with the government bearing the remaining cost of approximately ₹8,000 to ₹9,000.
The Higher and Technical Education Department confirmed the distribution failure, admitting in a recent response that no new beneficiaries have received tablets since early 2023.
“The inactivity of this scheme for over two academic years, despite the significant budgetary provision, raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, particularly when online learning resources are becoming increasingly vital,” stated a local education analyst.
The scheme’s inactivity contrasts sharply with the state government’s stated goal of achieving higher student enrollment and digital empowerment.
Scheme Details and Eligibility
The Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG) is the nodal agency for the scheme, which targets meritorious students who have passed Class 12 and enrolled in the first year of a Graduation or Polytechnic course.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Residency: Permanent resident of Gujarat.
- Education: Passed the 12th standard and enrolled in the first year of a college or polytechnic course.
- Income: Annual family income must be below ₹1,00,000 (₹1 Lakh).
- Cost to Student: A token payment of ₹1,000 must be made at the time of application through the student’s educational institution.
The tablets were meant to come pre-loaded with e-textbooks, video lectures, and other essential learning materials, making them a vital resource for students unable to afford the devices at market rates.
The Road Ahead: Demand for Transparency
Educational institutions, responsible for collecting the token amount and submitting student data, are now seeking clarity on the future of the scheme. The delay has created uncertainty for new batches of students who were eligible in 2024 and 2025.
Students’ associations are urging the government to:
- Issue a public statement clarifying the exact reason for the distribution halt (e.g., procurement issues, tender disputes, or procedural review).
- Set an immediate, actionable deadline for the resumption of tablet procurement and distribution.
- Ensure transparency regarding the utilization of the ₹200 crore budget allocated for the scheme.
The resolution of this implementation issue is critical to restore faith in the government’s digital welfare programs and ensure that financial barriers do not impede a student’s access to modern education.
Get Latest update on Growing Bharat Online.