Free Laptop to all Degree college students: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that consideration is being given to distributing laptops to students of all degree colleges under the state government. This decision was taken in a meeting of the vice-chancellors of the universities under the state government.

Meanwhile, distribution of laptops to SC/ST students was stopped some time ago and Siddaramaiah directed the officials to resume it. He told to distribute laptops to SC students under Schedule Caste Sub Scheme (SCSP) and ST community under Tribal Sub Scheme (TSP). Manivannan, Principal Secretary of Social Welfare Department, instructed to give 230 crores for this.

Laptops should be given to all the students of the government-run degree colleges irrespective of caste and religion. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said that we will prepare a plan for this in the coming days. 50% of the posts in universities are vacant. Siddaramaiah said that a total of 1,882 posts have been filled.

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Universities have to pay salaries of 2,865 guest lecturers and pension of retired employees from the funds earmarked for them. Some vice-chancellors told Siddaramaiah that this has increased the financial burden on us. Referring to the allocation of Rs 5,470 crore for universities in this year’s budget, he stressed the need for an additional grant of Rs 2,474 crore.