4 months on, Kerala kids still await low cost laptop

While KSFE and Kudumbasree are ready to provide loans to purchase the laptops, sources have told Asianet Newsable that the IT mission which is supposed to organise the tendering process is moving at a snail pace.

Team Newsable

Kerala, First Published Oct 10, 2020, 4:43 PM IST

Four months after the Kerala government announced a low cost laptop program for disadvantaged students to bridge the digital divide, around 40,000 applicants have still not received the laptops.

In June, Finance Minister Thomas Isaac had announced a joint venture between Kerala State Financial Enterprises and Kudumbasree that will work towards providing the laptops to financially weaker students through a loan program by KSFE.

While KSFE and Kudumbasree are ready to, sources have told Asianet Newsable that the IT mission which is supposed to organise the tendering process is moving at a snail pace.

KSFE Chairman Peelipose Thomas told Asianet Newsable, "We are ready to provide loans to the first 2 lakh applicants. But the IT mission and IT@School they have to fulfill the technical requriment and ensure the supply side."

It was announced earlier that that 40 lakh Kudumbashree workers can join the scheme and after three months, with a monthly installment of Rs 500, they will be provided with a laptop.

Payments can be made in 30 installments.

No security would be needed to be furnished for getting the laptop.

However, the scheme hasn't even reached the tendering phase.

Last Updated Oct 10, 2020, 6:18 PM IST