For Prelims: Digital empowerment, Central university, Skill development
For Mains: Governance: State government schemes and digital inclusion; Society: Education and skill development
Source:
Hindustan
5 facts for one-day exams
SSC, railway, police and teaching exams ask direct questions like these.
- Uttar Pradesh launched the scheme on 25 December 2021.
- Approximately 50,000 tablets are planned for distribution on 15 November 2026.
- Approximately 6 million tablets and smartphones have already been distributed under the scheme.
- Supply of 2.5 million additional tablets to districts began for 2026-27.
- Eligible students have no prescribed income or age limit.
The news
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will distribute approximately 50,000 tablets to students on 15 November 2026 at Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme. The event will cover students from Lucknow, Hardoi, Sitapur and Unnao districts, officials said.
The scheme, launched on 25 December 2021, has so far provided about 6 million tablets and smartphones to students across the state. For 2026-27, the government has begun supplying an additional 2.5 million tablets to districts. Eligible students face no prescribed income or age limit, according to the state government.
Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme: why in the news?
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a tablet distribution event on 15 November 2026, with the Chief Minister scheduled to hand over devices to about 50,000 students, marking the latest phase of the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme.
What is the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme?
The Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana is a digital inclusion initiative of the Uttar Pradesh government launched on 25 December 2021. It provides tablets and smartphones to students enrolled in state and central universities, as well as institutions under departments such as higher education, technical education, medical education, agriculture, vocational training, and MSME. The scheme does not prescribe any income or age limit for eligible students. It was inaugurated by the Chief Minister at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
How does the scheme work and who is eligible?
The Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme covers students enrolled in universities and institutions linked to several state departments, including higher education, technical education, medical education, agriculture, livestock, culture, vocational education and skill development, MSME and export promotion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities. Students at central universities located in Uttar Pradesh are also eligible. The scheme imposes no income or age limit, widening access across social and economic backgrounds.
What has the scheme achieved so far?
Since its launch in December 2021, the scheme has distributed approximately 6 million tablets and smartphones. The government has begun supplying an additional 2.5 million tablets for 2026-27. The device distribution is intended to support digital learning and skill development, though the announced 15 November event remains a planned programme.
Uttar Pradesh connection
Matters for these Uttar Pradesh exams:UPSSSC PETUPPSCUPPSC RO/ARO
Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme: facts and terms for exams
- Digital empowerment:
- Improving people's ability to access and use digital technologies and resources.
- Central university:
- A university established by an Act of Parliament.
- Skill development:
- The process of acquiring or improving abilities needed for education, work or other activities.
Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme: why it matters for exams
Exams: UPPSC, UPSSSC PET, UPPSC RO/ARO
Syllabus: Governance: State government schemes and digital inclusion; Society: Education and skill development
Common mistake: Examiners may swap the 6 million devices already distributed with the 2.5 million additional tablets whose supply has begun; the two figures refer to different stages.
Mains question on Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme
Examine the role of the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme in promoting digital education and skill development among students in Uttar Pradesh. Discuss its achievements and limitations.
Stuck? Get it in one tap
The Uttar Pradesh scheme gives eligible students digital devices to help them access education and develop skills. Approximately 50,000 tablets are planned for distribution on 15 November 2026. Eligible students do not have to meet an income or age limit.
- Governance: State government schemes and digital inclusion
- Society: Education and skill development
Related concepts: Digital empowerment, Central university, Skill development
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
Which government operates the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme?
Explanation: The Government of Uttar Pradesh operates the scheme for eligible students. It is a Uttar Pradesh state initiative, rather than a scheme operated by the other listed state governments.
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements about the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme:
- 1.Eligible students of central universities located in Uttar Pradesh are covered.
- 2.An income limit is prescribed for eligible students.
- 3.The scheme was launched on 25 December 2021.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct: eligible central university students are covered, and the launch took place on 25 December 2021. Statement 2 is incorrect because no income limit is prescribed for eligible students.
- Q3Medium
How many additional tablets have begun to be supplied to Uttar Pradesh districts for 2026-27 under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme?
Explanation: The additional supply for 2026-27 is 2.5 million tablets. The approximately 6 million figure refers instead to tablets and smartphones already distributed since the scheme began.
- Q4Medium
What is a principal objective of Uttar Pradesh's Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme?
Explanation: The scheme aims to improve access to technology-based education, skill development and employment opportunities. It prescribes no income limit for eligible students and covers eligible learners across several types of institutions.
Frequently asked questions
1. When was the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme launched?
The scheme was launched on 25 December 2021 in Lucknow.
2. How many devices have been distributed under the Uttar Pradesh youth empowerment scheme?
Approximately 6 million tablets and smartphones have been distributed since the scheme began.
3. Is there an income or age limit for the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme?
No income or age limit is prescribed for eligible students.
4. Which districts will participate in the planned 15 November 2026 tablet distribution?
Students from Lucknow, Hardoi, Sitapur and Unnao are expected to participate.
All sources
- Original13 November 2026 · Read story
