AI SummaryTamil Nadu government started TN Free Data Card Scheme for students in 2022. In this scheme, the state govt. of Tamilnadu provided 2GB internet data per day absolutely free of cost. Data cards were provided to each of the beneficiary from March to April 2022. In this article, complete details of Tamilnadu Free Data Card Scheme are given below.
Note: This scheme was a one time facility started during COVID-19 to help students attend online classes. It has been closed by the Tamil Nadu government and is no longer active. Data cards are not being given out under this scheme anymore.
Tamil Nadu Free Data Card Scheme
In order to help students attend online classes, Tamil Nadu government on 13 February 2022 announced TN Free 2GB Data Scheme. Around 10 lakh students in school and even colleges as well as scholarship-funded private colleges got a free 2GB internet package. Free Data Package was required as schools and colleges reopened after a fall in COVID-19 cases and students were still dependent on online teaching.
Eligibility for Beneficiaries of TN Free Data Card Scheme
Here is the eligibility criteria that applied for beneficiaries of TN Free Data Card Scheme. Tamil Nadu 2GB Internet Data Package Scheme benefited students who were enrolled in the following institutions:-
- Govt and government-aided arts and science colleges
- Polytechnic colleges
- Engineering colleges
- Scholarship-funded private colleges
As many as 9.69 lakh students benefited from TN Free Data Card Scheme. Under the same, a 2 GB per day limit was applicable for the first four months of the year.
Need for Tamilnadu Free Data Card Scheme
Schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu reopened from 16 February 2022. Even after reopening, attendance remained voluntary. Online and hybrid classes continued in the state at that time. The move made sure that students had access to online content and classes as well.
CM on Free 2GB Internet Data Package to Students
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said "To enable students to attend online classes, state govt announces free 2GB data per day to 9,69,047 students enrolled in govt and government-aided arts and science colleges, polytechnic, engineering colleges and scholarship-funded private colleges".
Distribution of Free Internet Data Cards through ELCOT
Data cards were given to students from March to April 2022 free of cost. Students in self-financed institutions were also covered under the scheme, which was rolled out through the state-run Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT).
Source / Reference Link: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-withdraws-most-lockdown-restrictions-play-schools-lkg-and-ukg-sections-to-open-on-feb-16/articleshow/89526541.cms