CM Stalin to Launch First Phase of ‘The World Is in Your Hands’ Laptop Scheme for 10 Lakh College Students

Chennai, Jan 2026 : Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will inaugurate the first phase of Tamil Nadu’s ambitious laptop distribution initiative, ‘The World Is in Your Hands’, on Monday. As part of this phase, 10 lakh laptops will be distributed to college students across the state, marking a significant step in the government’s push for digital empowerment in higher education.

According to an official release, the scheme is part of the DMK government’s broader commitment to student welfare and inclusive growth. Since assuming office, the Stalin-led administration has rolled out several education-focused initiatives, including the Tamil Pudhalvan scheme, Innovative Women scheme, First-Generation Graduate scheme, Post-Matric Scholarships, and Social Justice Hostels, all aimed at increasing access to education and reducing socio-economic barriers.

The laptop programme, announced earlier by the Chief Minister, involves the distribution of 20 lakh laptops in two phases, designed to equip students with essential digital skills required in today’s technology-driven economy. The first phase, covering 10 lakh students, will see laptops provided to those enrolled in government engineering colleges, arts and science colleges, medical, agricultural, and law institutions, polytechnics, and industrial training institutes.

The inaugural event will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday at the Chennai Trade Centre, with Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also in attendance.

Laptops supplied under the scheme will come from leading global brands such as Dell, Acer, and HP. Each device will feature an Intel i3 processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD storage, Windows 11 Home, MS Office 365, and a high-quality laptop bag, ensuring students have access to modern, industry-standard technology.

Officials emphasized that the programme will enhance digital literacy, expand employment opportunities, and enable students to explore careers in IT, software development, data entry, digital marketing, graphic design, coding, web development, and emerging fields like artificial intelligence.

Beyond education, the government highlighted the scheme’s broader socio-economic impact. By improving access to technology, it aims to boost household incomes, bridge the rural-urban digital divide, and foster technology-based entrepreneurship among youth.

Describing the initiative as a landmark reform in higher education, the administration stated that the programme concretely embodies Tamil Nadu’s vision of inclusive digital development, preparing students to compete successfully in an increasingly global and technology-driven economy.

The first phase is expected to be a major milestone in transforming the state’s higher education landscape, setting a precedent for similar digital initiatives in the future.