Smartphones for students: Mamata sop

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a virtual meeting on Thursday and announced that she will give Rs 10,000 each to almost nine lakh Class 12 students, so that they can buy smartphones and further their online education. “Due to the ongoing pandemic, education has gone online. There are several students who couldn’t pursue their education due to lack of smartphones and internet connection,’’ the chief minister explained.

The money would be transferred to the designated bank accounts within seven days, the Chief Minister said, adding that the ruling TMC government will also give 20 lakh cycles to class nine students along with a letter signed by the Chief Minister.

Banerjee also announced that her government will not allow forced eviction of refugees living on Central government land. “We have got information that at some places in Bankura and Habra, the Central government organisations have put up eviction notices. But the Trinamool Congress government would not allow any such thing. We will give the refugees all official documents, so that they don’t become homeless,” announced Banerjee from the state secretariat.