Laptops given to final-year students only for votes: AIADMK sparks intense debate over student welfare and government intent
Laptops given to final-year students only for votes: AIADMK became the centre of a sharp political clash in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Friday, as opposition members accused the ruling DMK government of misusing a welfare scheme for electoral gains. The debate unfolded during the discussion on the motion thanking the Governor’s address, where rising prices of essential goods and delayed benefits to students dominated the proceedings.
The opposition argued that welfare measures must support students throughout their academic journey and not be timed to suit political interests. The government, however, firmly rejected the accusation and defended its policy decisions, saying the intent was educational support, not political advantage.
Laptops Given to Final-Year Students Only for Votes: AIADMK Flags Student Concerns
During the discussion, AIADMK MLA R B Udhayakumar strongly criticised the timing of the laptop distribution scheme. He claimed that providing laptops only in the final year of a course served little academic purpose and appeared to be linked to upcoming elections. According to him, students would have benefited far more if the devices had been issued at the beginning of their courses.
Udhayakumar argued that access to digital tools is essential from the first year, especially for students from economically weaker backgrounds. He said distributing laptops at the end of an academic programme limited their usefulness and raised doubts about the government’s real intention behind the move.
The MLA also connected the issue to the broader challenges faced by families, pointing to rising prices of essential commodities. He said inflation had increased the financial burden on households, making timely government support even more important for students pursuing higher education.
Laptops Given to Final-Year Students Only for Votes: Government Responds Firmly
Responding to the allegations, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu clarified that the laptop scheme was announced only last year, which is why final-year students were prioritised in the first phase. He rejected the charge that the distribution was politically motivated and said the decision was based on administrative timelines.
Importantly, the minister announced a key change going forward. From the coming academic years, laptops will be distributed to students in their first year itself. This, he said, would ensure that students can use the devices throughout their course for learning, research, and skill development.
Thennarasu added that education does not end with graduation and that laptops would remain useful for higher studies, competitive exams, and career preparation. He stressed that the scheme was designed with long-term student welfare in mind.
Other ministers also joined the debate, addressing concerns about inflation. They attributed rising prices to external factors such as fuel costs and national taxation policies. The government maintained that economic growth and increased per capita income had also contributed to price changes, while welfare measures continued to support vulnerable sections. Also Read: Tamil Nadu To Give 20 Lakh Free Laptops To College Students
Conclusion
The Assembly debate highlighted how welfare schemes like laptop distribution can quickly turn into political flashpoints. While the opposition insisted that laptops given to final-year students only for votes undermined student welfare, the government’s assurance of first-year distribution in future academic sessions may ease concerns. As prices rise and expectations grow, the effectiveness and timing of such schemes will remain under close public and political scrutiny.
