Launching this unique scheme, Gehlot said that it was a budget announcement being fulfilled and that it shows that the state’s Congress government does not just make promises but also delivers. The launch of this scheme fulfills the dreams of former prime minister and Congress leader Indira Gandhi, who stood for women’s empowerment, and former PM Rajiv Gandhi, who ushered in IT revolution in the country, he added.
“There is a shortage of semiconductor chips across the world, due to which mobile phones are not being made in sufficient numbers. That is why the scheme got delayed. Smartphones will be given away in different phases,” said Gehlot. While a target has been set to distribute smartphones to 40 lakh women in the first phase, around 80 lakh smartphones will be distributed in the next phase, he added.
Widows, single women, pension recipients, and families having girl students have been selected for distribution of smartphones in the first phase of the scheme, said the CM. The beneficiaries will have the liberty to choose their preferred smartphones having 20 GB data at the distribution camps by using the Rs 6,800 deposited in their bank accounts by the state government through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), said Gehlot. He also interacted with the beneficiaries.
“Smartphones will empower women. Knowledge is power. The scheme will empower women,” said the CM. “This visionary scheme aims at providing nearly every woman in the state with access to a smartphone, which will unlock new opportunities for information, education, and social engagement. This marks a significant step towards fulfilling the state government’s commitment to uplifting citizens,” said Gehlot.
“While Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP say that we are distributing rewadis (freebies), this (smartphone scheme) is for women’s empowerment,” asserted Gehlot. He said schemes such as Udaan, under which 12 sanitary pads are being distributed to menstruating women every month, concessional travel for women in state public transport vehicles, and pension for widows and single mothers all are steps taken in the direction of women’s empowerment.
The CM said the government would take suggestions from everyone on ‘Vision 2030’ to make Rajasthan one of the top states of the country. “Who will be the CM in 2030 is a different matter, but we have to take the state to the top,” he added.
