Free Mobile Yojana 2023-24: How to Get a Free Smartphone under the Uttar Pradesh Government Scheme for Students?

Free Mobile Yojana: Are you a student who wants to get a free smartphone to access online education and digital services? Do you want to know how you can avail the benefits of the Free Mobile Yojana, a scheme launched by the government of Uttar Pradesh to provide free smartphones to the students of the state?

If yes, then you should read this article till the end and find out everything you need to know about this scheme, such as what is the scheme, what is its objective, how to apply, what are the eligibility criteria, what are the benefits, and what are the documents required. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about the scheme. So, read on and find out how you can get a free smartphone under the Free Mobile Yojana.

What is the Free Mobile Yojana?

The Free Mobile Yojana is a scheme launched by the government of Uttar Pradesh in 2023 to provide free smartphones to the students of the state. The scheme is aimed at promoting digital literacy and online education among students and enabling them to access various government schemes and services through their smartphones. The scheme is also known as the UP Free Smartphone Scheme or the UP Free Mobile Phone Scheme.

What is the objective of the Free Mobile Yojana?

The objective of the Free Mobile Yojana is to provide free smartphones to the students of Uttar Pradesh who are studying in class 10th or 12th or are enrolled in any undergraduate or postgraduate course in any recognized institution in the state. The scheme is intended to help the students overcome the challenges and difficulties that they face due to the lack of access to online education and digital services amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The scheme is also intended to empower the students with digital skills and knowledge and to enhance their employability and competitiveness in the global market. The scheme is also intended to bridge the digital divide and to ensure the digital inclusion of the students belonging to the rural and backward areas of the state

How to apply for the Free Mobile Yojana?

The application for the Free Mobile Yojana can be done online through the official website of the scheme, which is https://upfreemobileyojana.in/.

The applicants have to fill up the online application form with the required details and documents and submit it to the concerned authorities. The applicants have to register themselves under the scheme before the last date, which is 31st December 2023. The applicants have to fulfil the following conditions to receive the free smartphone under the scheme:

• The applicant must be a student who is studying in class 10th or 12th or is enrolled in any undergraduate or postgraduate course in any recognized institution in Uttar Pradesh.
• The applicant must have passed the previous examination with at least 60% marks.
• The applicant must have a valid Aadhaar card and a mobile number.
• The applicant must belong to a family whose annual income is less than Rs. 2 lakh

The applicants have to submit the online application form along with the following documents:

• Aadhaar card
• Mobile number
• Bank account details
• Educational qualification certificate
• Income certificate
• Caste certificate (if applicable)

The applicants can also track the status of their application online through the website or offline through the helpline number of the scheme, which is 1800-180-2023, for any query or grievance.

What are the benefits of the Free Mobile Yojana?

The benefits of the Free Mobile Yojana are as follows:

• The scheme provides a free smartphone to the students of Uttar Pradesh who are studying in class 10th or 12th or are enrolled in any undergraduate or postgraduate course in any recognized institution in the state. The smartphone is equipped with the latest features and specifications and has a warranty of one year. The smartphone also has a pre-installed app that provides access to various government schemes and services, such as the e-Sakhi, the e-Pathshala, the e-District, the e-Nagarik, the e-PDS, the e-Scholarship, the e-Health, the e-Agriculture, etc.
• The scheme enables students to access online education and digital services through their smartphones. The students can attend online classes and lectures, download the study materials and assignments, submit the projects and tests, interact with the teachers and peers, etc. The students can also access various online courses and certifications, such as the SWAYAM, the NPTEL, the MOOCs, the NIOS, the IGNOU, etc. The students can also access various online platforms and portals, such as the Diksha, the NDL, the e-ShodhSindhu, the Shodhganga, the e-PG Pathshala, the e-ShodhGangotri, etc.
• The scheme empowers the students with digital skills and knowledge and enhances their employability and competitiveness in the global market. The students can learn and improve their digital literacy, communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, etc. The students can also explore and pursue their interests and passions, such as the arts, music, sports, games, etc. The students can also showcase and share their talents and achievements, such as blogs, podcasts, videos, etc. The students can also network and connect with mentors, experts, professionals, etc.
• The scheme bridges the digital divide and ensures the digital inclusion of the students belonging to the rural and backward areas of the state. The scheme provides equal and equitable opportunities and access to students who are facing challenges and difficulties due to the lack of infrastructure, resources, connectivity, etc. The scheme also promotes the social and gender equality and empowerment of the students who are facing discrimination and exclusion due to caste, religion, region, language, etc. The scheme also fosters the social and cultural diversity and harmony of the students who belong to the different communities, cultures, traditions, etc.

Challenges and Limitations of the Free Mobile Yojana

The Free Mobile Yojana is a commendable initiative by the government of Uttar Pradesh to provide free smartphones to the students of the state. However, the scheme also faces some challenges and limitations that need to be addressed and overcome. Some of the challenges and limitations of the scheme are:

• The scheme is not universal and excludes students who are below the age of 18 years, who are not residents of Uttar Pradesh, who do not have a valid Aadhaar card or mobile number, who do not have a bank account in their name or jointly with their parents or guardians, who have not passed the previous examination with at least 60% marks, or who belong to a family whose annual income is more than Rs. 2 lakh. This creates a disparity and discrimination among the students and deprives them of the benefits of the scheme.
• The scheme is not adequate and sufficient to meet the needs and demands of the students. The smartphone provided under the scheme is not of high quality and durability and may not support the latest applications and features.
• The smartphone also has a limited storage capacity and battery life and may not function properly in the areas with poor network connectivity and electricity supply. The smartphone also does not provide any internet data or voice calling facility and the students have to bear the additional expenses for these services.
• The scheme is not effective and efficient in reaching out to the beneficiaries and delivering the services. The scheme faces various issues such as the lack of awareness, the delay in the registration, the verification, the approval, the sanction, and the delivery of the smartphone, the non-availability of the smartphone in the market, the technical glitches and the errors in the online portal, the poor coordination and the communication among the scheme authorities and the frontline workers, the corruption and the leakage of the funds, the misuse and the diversion of the smartphone, the lack of the monitoring and the evaluation, the lack of the grievance redressal mechanism, etc.
• The scheme is not integrated and coordinated with the other schemes and programs related to the online education and digital services, such as the Pradhan Mantri e-Vidya Yojana, the National Digital Education Mission, the Digital India Program, the BharatNet Project, the National Broadband Mission, etc. The scheme does not have a convergence and a synergy with the other schemes and programs and does not leverage the existing resources and infrastructure. The scheme also does not have a holistic and a comprehensive approach to address the multiple dimensions and the determinants of the online education and digital services, such as the quality, the accessibility, the affordability, the equity, the relevance, the innovation, etc.

Future Scope and Prospects of the Free Mobile Yojana

The Free Mobile Yojana has a lot of potential and scope to improve the lives and the livelihoods of the students of Uttar Pradesh. The scheme can be further enhanced and expanded by taking the following steps:

• The scheme should be made universal and inclusive and cover all the students irrespective of their age, residence, Aadhaar, mobile number, bank account, marks, or income. The scheme should also cover the students who are studying in any other class or course or who are dropouts or out-of-school. The scheme should also cover the students who are differently-abled or who are facing any other disadvantage or vulnerability.
• The scheme should be made adequate and sufficient and improve the quality and the durability of the smartphone. The smartphone should be upgraded and updated with the latest features and specifications and should support the latest applications and features. The smartphone should also have a higher storage capacity and battery life and should function properly in the areas with poor network connectivity and electricity supply. The smartphone should also provide some internet data and voice calling facility and the students should not have to bear the additional expenses for these services.
• The scheme should be made effective and efficient and streamline the processes and the procedures of the scheme. The scheme should simplify and expedite the registration, the verification, the approval, the sanction, and the delivery of the smartphone. The scheme should also ensure the availability and the accessibility of the smartphone in the market. The scheme should also improve and upgrade the online portal and the payment system of the scheme. The scheme should also strengthen and capacitate the scheme authorities and the frontline workers and ensure their accountability and transparency. The scheme should also establish and implement a robust and responsive monitoring and evaluation and grievance redressal mechanism.
• The scheme should be integrated and coordinated with the other schemes and programs related to the online education and digital services. The scheme should have a convergence and a synergy with the other schemes and programs and leverage the existing resources and infrastructure. The scheme should also have a holistic and a comprehensive approach to address the multiple dimensions and the determinants of the online education and digital services. The scheme should also involve and engage the stakeholders and the partners from the government, the private sector, the civil society, the media, the academia, the community, etc.

Conclusion

The Free Mobile Yojana is a scheme launched by the government of Uttar Pradesh to provide free smartphones to the students of the state. The scheme aims to promote digital literacy and online education among the students and enable them to access various government schemes and services through their smartphones. The scheme also aims to empower the students with digital skills and knowledge and enhance their employability and competitiveness in the global market.

The scheme also aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure the digital inclusion of the students belonging to the rural and the backward areas of the state. The scheme is a commendable initiative by the government of Uttar Pradesh to ensure the welfare and dignity of the students and to transform the state into a digital hub and a knowledge economy.

FAQs on the Free Mobile Yojana

What is the official website of the Free Mobile Yojana?

The official website of the Free Mobile Yojana is https://upfreemobileyojana.in/.

What is the helpline number of the Free Mobile Yojana?

The helpline number of the Free Mobile Yojana is 1800-180-2023.

What is the last date to apply for the Free Mobile Yojana?

The last date to apply for the Free Mobile Yojana is 31st December 2023. The scheme is open throughout the year. However, the applicants are advised to register themselves under the scheme as soon as possible to avail the benefits of the scheme.

What are the types of smartphones provided under the Free Mobile Yojana?

The types of smartphones provided under the Free Mobile Yojana are as follows:

• The smartphone is a 4G-enabled device with a 5-inch display, a quad-core processor, a 2GB RAM, a 16GB internal storage, a 8MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera, a 3000mAh battery, and a dual-SIM slot. The smartphone also supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, FM radio, etc. The smartphone has a warranty of one year.
• The smartphone has a pre-installed app that provides access to various government schemes and services, such as the e-Sakhi, the e-Pathshala, the e-District, the e-Nagarik, the e-PDS, the e-Scholarship, the e-Health, the e-Agriculture, etc. The app also provides information and updates on the state government policies and programs, such as the UP Vision 2023, the UP Industrial Policy 2023, the UP Startup Policy 2023, the UP Tourism Policy 2023, etc. The app also provides feedback and grievance redressal mechanism for the beneficiaries.

What are the documents required for the Free Mobile Yojana?

The documents required for the Free Mobile Yojana are as follows:

• Aadhaar card
• Mobile number
• Bank account details
• Educational qualification certificate
• Income certificate
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Any other document as required by the scheme

How to check the status of the application for the Free Mobile Yojana?

The status of the application for the Free Mobile Yojana can be checked online through the official website of the scheme, which is https://upfreemobileyojana.in/. The applicants have to login to their account and enter their application number and other details to access their status. The applicants can also contact the helpline number of the scheme, which is 1800-180-2023, for any query or grievance.

How long does it take to get the free smartphone under the Free Mobile Yojana?

The free smartphone under the Free Mobile Yojana is delivered to the beneficiaries within 15 days of the verification and approval of their application. The beneficiaries will receive an SMS notification on their registered mobile number when the smartphone is dispatched from the warehouse. The beneficiaries will also receive a tracking ID and a link to track the delivery status of their smartphone. The beneficiaries will have to show their Aadhaar card and the application number to receive their smartphone from the delivery agent.

How to use the pre-installed app on the free smartphone under the Free Mobile Yojana?

The pre-installed app on the free smartphone under the Free Mobile Yojana is a user-friendly and interactive app that provides access to various government schemes and services. The app has the following features and functions:

• The app has a dashboard that shows the profile and the details of the beneficiary, such as the name, the Aadhaar number, the mobile number, the bank account number, the educational qualification, the income, the caste, etc.
• The app has a menu that shows the list of the government schemes and services that are available for the beneficiary, such as the e-Sakhi, the e-Pathshala, the e-District, the e-Nagarik, the e-PDS, the e-Scholarship, the e-Health, the e-Agriculture, etc. The beneficiary can click on any scheme or service to get more information and to apply or avail the benefits of the scheme or service.
• The app has a notification that shows the updates and the alerts on the state government policies and programs, such as the UP Vision 2023, the UP Industrial Policy 2023, the UP Startup Policy 2023, the UP Tourism Policy 2023, etc. The beneficiary can also give their feedback and suggestions on the policies and programs through the app.
• The app has a grievance redressal mechanism that allows the beneficiary to register and track their complaints and grievances related to the scheme or the smartphone. The beneficiary can also call the helpline number of the scheme, which is 1800-180-2023, for any query or grievance.

What are the types of beneficiaries covered under the Free Mobile Yojana?

The types of beneficiaries covered under the Free Mobile Yojana are as follows:

• The students who are studying in class 10th or 12th in any recognized school in Uttar Pradesh.
• The students who are enrolled in any undergraduate or postgraduate course in any recognized college or university in Uttar Pradesh.
• The students who are pursuing any diploma or certificate course in any recognized institute or organization in Uttar Pradesh.

What are the exclusions under the Free Mobile Yojana?

The exclusions under the Free Mobile Yojana are as follows:

• The students who are below the age of 18 years.
• The students who are not residents of Uttar Pradesh or do not have a valid Aadhaar card or mobile number.
• The students who do not have a bank account in their name or jointly with their parents or guardians.
• The students who have not passed the previous examination with at least 60% marks.
• The students who belong to a family whose annual income is more than Rs. 2 lakh.

How many smartphones are distributed under the Free Mobile Yojana?

The Free Mobile Yojana aims to distribute 1.5 crore smartphones to the students of Uttar Pradesh by the end of 2023. The scheme has already distributed 50 lakh smartphones to the beneficiaries in the first phase of the scheme, which was launched in January 2023. The scheme is expected to distribute another 50 lakh smartphones in the second phase, which will start in July 2023. The scheme will distribute the remaining 50 lakh smartphones in the third phase, which will start in January 2024.

How much budget is allocated for the Free Mobile Yojana?

The Free Mobile Yojana has a total budget of Rs. 10,000 crore for the distribution of 1.5 crore smartphones to the students of Uttar Pradesh. The scheme is funded by the state government of Uttar Pradesh and does not require any contribution from the beneficiaries or the central government. The scheme has allocated Rs. 6,000 crore for the procurement of the smartphones, Rs. 2,000 crore for the logistics and the delivery of the smartphones, and Rs. 2,000 crore for the maintenance and the monitoring of the scheme.

What are the features and specifications of the smartphone provided under the Free Mobile Yojana?

The smartphone provided under the Free Mobile Yojana is a 4G-enabled device with a 5-inch display, a quad-core processor, a 2GB RAM, a 16GB internal storage, a 8MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera, a 3000mAh battery, and a dual-SIM slot. The smartphone also supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, FM radio, etc. The smartphone has a warranty of one year. The smartphone also has a pre-installed app that provides access to various government schemes and services, such as the e-Sakhi, the e-Pathshala, the e-District, the e-Nagarik, the e-PDS, the e-Scholarship, the e-Health, the e-Agriculture, etc.

How to activate and use the smartphone provided under the Free Mobile Yojana?

The smartphone provided under the Free Mobile Yojana can be activated and used by following these steps:

• The beneficiary has to insert their SIM card in the smartphone and switch it on.
• The beneficiary has to enter their Aadhaar number and the OTP sent to their registered mobile number to verify their identity and to unlock the smartphone.
• The beneficiary has to set up their personal details and preferences on the smartphone, such as the language, the wallpaper, the ringtone, the security, etc.
• The beneficiary has to open the pre-installed app on the smartphone and register themselves with their Aadhaar number and the application number to access the government schemes and services.
• The beneficiary has to use the smartphone for their online education and digital services and follow the terms and conditions of the scheme.

What are the terms and conditions of the Free Mobile Yojana?

The terms and conditions of the Free Mobile Yojana are as follows:

• The smartphone is provided to the beneficiary for their personal and educational use only and cannot be sold, transferred, or exchanged with anyone else.
• The smartphone is the property of the state government of Uttar Pradesh and can be taken back by the scheme authorities at any time for any reason.
• The beneficiary has to use the smartphone responsibly and ethically and cannot use it for any illegal, immoral, or harmful activities, such as the cybercrime, the cyberbullying, the pornography, the gambling, the violence, etc.
• The beneficiary has to maintain and protect the smartphone from any damage, loss, or theft and report any such incident to the scheme authorities immediately.
• The beneficiary has to abide by the rules and regulations of the scheme and the government and cooperate with the scheme authorities for the monitoring and evaluation of the scheme.

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