On December 17, the Rajasthan government led by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will be completing its four years. Various programmes including exhibitions will be conducted at various locations across the state.
The free smartphone program, regarded as one of the Gehlot government's visionary initiatives, may also be introduced. Around 1.35 crore women in Rajasthan will be eligible to take benefit of this free smartphone scheme.
According to government sources, Rahul Gandhi, ex-president of Congress may launch the scheme on December 18 from Sikandra in Dausa. This program was originally scheduled to start in November, but it was delayed because of the Bharat Jodo Yatra and a political dispute in Congress. Rahul Gandhi, ex-president of Congress, can now start this plan.
As per media reports, 1.35 crore women will receive free smartphones, according to a goal set by the Gehlot government. The government has allocated Rs 12,000 crore for this scheme. Women will receive Nokia, Samsung, and Jio smartphones. The cost of one phone is around Rs. 9000. The best thing about the mobile phone will be that a government SIM will already be activated in it.
In addition, it will offer three years of unrestricted free calling and free internet access. These mobile devices do not support a second sim.
Eligibility for free smartphone
The government has decided to provide a free mobile phone to female family heads who have Jan Aadhaar cards. Also, those who are already members of Chiranjeevi scheme will be eligible for the free smartphone.
Mobile phone distribution
To give smartphones, the government will organize special camps in both urban and rural regions. It will also take help from the female members of self-help organizations. Training has already been given to them in this regard. In addition to this, workers from BSLL, Jio, and Airtel will be stationed in the mobile distribution sites. They will help the women beneficiaries activate their SIM cards and mobile phones and will instantly check their documents online.
Self-help group members will also help in taking female beneficiaries to mobile distribution camps.
Duration of scheme
The free smartphone program conducted by the Gehlot government will last for three years. For this, a budget of 12,000 crores has been set up. Companies that make smartphones will also receive funding over the course of three years in installments. Before the elections, the government is attempting to give smartphones to every woman.