Tripura has taken a significant step towards empowering its youth with the launch of the Mukhyamantri Yuba Yogayog Yojana (Special) scheme. This initiative expands the existing MYYY program, which has been instrumental in providing financial assistance for smartphone purchases to graduate students since the academic year 2019-20.
The inauguration ceremony held on Tuesday was led by Information Technology Minister Pranajit Singha Roy. TIDC MD Vishwasree B was also present in the programme.
The minister emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to digital inclusion, highlighting that over 40,215 students have benefitted from the MYYY program to date.
However, the special scheme addresses a crucial gap identified in the 2022-23 academic year when undergraduate students were excluded from the program. Recognizing this oversight, the government designed the MYYY (Special) scheme specifically to support undergraduates from that year. This inclusion is expected to benefit an estimated 12,000 students, providing them with the financial aid needed to purchase smartphones.
Minister Roy further elaborated on the program’s success, citing a year-on-year increase in beneficiaries. The total expenditure on the scheme has reached a significant Rs. 20 crore, signifying the government’s dedication to bridging the digital divide in Tripura. Here’s a closer look at the scheme’s impact since its inception:
- 2019-20: 7,286 beneficiaries
- 2020-21: 9,579 beneficiaries
- 2021-22: 11,892 beneficiaries
- 2023-24: 11,458 beneficiaries (graduates only)
For undergraduate students from the 2022-23 academic year, availing this benefit requires registration on the government portal, bms.tripura.gov.in. The deadline for registration is August 2nd, 2024. To ensure a smooth process, applicants must upload necessary documents including their photo identification, ration card, bank passbook reflecting their account details, a valid smartphone purchase invoice, and their graduation certificate or latest semester-level marksheet.
While acknowledging the transformative power of technology, Minister Roy also addressed the importance of responsible smartphone usage. He urged students to leverage their smartphones for educational purposes and actively pursue skill development opportunities that can empower them in the digital age.
The launch event itself was a comprehensive affair featuring informative speeches delivered by key figures within the Information Technology Department, including acting secretary Vishwasree B and Director Jeya Ragul Geshan B. Additionally, a documentary showcasing the project’s goals and potential impact was screened for the audience. Students and teachers from various educational institutions across Tripura were also present at the program, signifying the widespread interest and potential beneficiaries of this initiative.
The Chief Minister Yuba Yogayog Yojana (Special) scheme marks a substantial step forward in equipping Tripura’s youth with the essential IT skills needed to thrive in the digital world. By facilitating smartphone access for undergraduate students, the government aims to empower them, bridge the digital divide within the state, and create a future generation equipped to actively participate in the knowledge economy.
