The HRD Ministry has expected an expense of Rs 60,000 crore over five years to provide digital devices to four crores higher education students.

The Higher Education Department planned to provide nearly 40% of students studying in colleges and universities by 2025-26 with equipment such as laptops and iPads, smartphones, and television sets.

There are reportedly over 3,75 crore students studying in higher education institutions. For the first year, 2021-22, 1,5 crore students will be covered, followed by 55 lakhs for 2022-23, 61 lakhs in 2023-24, 67 lakhs in 2024-25 and 73 lakhs in 2025-26. The Ministry expected an overall cost of Rs 15,000 for each digital device.

Of the Rs 60,000 crore, the share of the union government has been tied to Rs 36,473 crore over five years. The remaining is proposed to be borne by the state governments, according to the ministry’s presentation.

The Ministry has also sought funds to create more material for online learning. An extra Rs 2,306 crore has been requested to develop courses for the Ministry’s Educational Network (SWAYAM Prabha) and the MOOC Project until 2025-26.