Laptops

Fact Check: Is the Government Giving Free Laptops Under the ‘One Student One Laptop’ Scheme? Here’s the Truth

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Laptops
New Delhi: Social media is once again buzzing with claims that the government is distributing free laptops to students under a scheme titled “One Student One Laptop Yojana.” Posters, videos, and forwarded messages are being widely shared across platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube, claiming that students can register to receive a free laptop. But is this scheme real or just another viral hoax? Here’s what the facts say.

Viral Claims About Free Laptop Scheme

In recent weeks, posts have surfaced across various platforms mentioning government-run schemes such as the “One Student One Laptop Yojana” or the “PM Free Laptop Scheme.” These posts typically include links to questionable websites, urging students to register with their personal details. The promise: a brand-new laptop delivered to their doorstep at no cost.

The widespread sharing of such information has led to considerable excitement—and confusion—among students and parents. Many are now questioning whether this is a genuine initiative by the Indian government.

No Official Government Scheme Exists

According to reliable sources and fact-checking reports, the Government of India has made no official announcement about any nationwide scheme offering free laptops to students under the names currently circulating online. No such program has been listed on any verified government portals, including the websites of the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

The Press Information Bureau (PIB), the government’s official body for verifying fake news, has also debunked these viral claims in the past. They’ve clarified that no central scheme offering free laptops to all students is active or in planning under these names.

Why These Hoaxes Go Viral

The popularity of such hoaxes can be attributed to the increasing dependence on digital devices in education—especially post-COVID-19—as well as the eagerness of students to gain access to better online learning tools. The term “Digital India” often lends credibility to these types of posts, even if they are false.

Additionally, a lack of digital literacy among some users and the trust they place in forwarded content further adds fuel to the misinformation fire. Without verifying facts, many unknowingly fall prey to these hoaxes and even share their personal data on fake websites.

What Students and Parents Should Do

  1. Always verify information from official government sources such as https://www.mygov.in or https://pib.gov.in.

  2. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or filling out online forms unless they are on verified government domains (usually ending in .gov.in).

  3. Report fake news to social media platforms and flag any post or website spreading false information.

  4. Raise awareness among friends and family, especially students, about the dangers of digital scams posing as government schemes.

The Bottom Line

As of now, no scheme called “One Student One Laptop Yojana” or “PM Free Laptop Scheme” exists under the central government. The claims circulating on social media are completely false and misleading. Students are advised to remain cautious, avoid sharing personal details online, and trust only official government communications for such updates.

Author Profile

Kuldeep Singh Chundawat
Kuldeep Singh Chundawat
My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.