Capt’s Smart Connect scheme receives huge response
Monday, 12/12/2016
http://epaper.dailypostindia.com/Details.aspx?id=169638&boxid=59024&uid=&dat=2016-12-12
Chandigarh : Launched with much fanfare almost a month ago, ‘Captain Smart Connect’, scheme of Punjab Congress has received an overwhelming response with 30 lakh youth registering under this scheme across the state.
Of the 30 lakh number, Ludhiana, Patiala, Amritsar and Bathinda have reported the maximum number of registrations. Interestingly, 83 per cent of the registrations are from youth, aged between 18 to 25 years, and 16 per cent fall under the age group between 26 and 35 years. The scheme was closed on Saturday
The scheme seems to have gained popularity with Punjab Congress Committee chief (PCC) and former Chief Minister, Punjab, Capt. Amarinder Singh promising 50 lakh smartphones to the youth within 100 days of the formation of the Congress government.
Allured by the free smartphone commitment, many youth have got themselves registered at different places, it is leant.
The scheme is same as ‘Samajwadi Smartphone Scheme’ earlier launched by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.
The landmark scheme was launched by Capt. Amairnder Singh on November 20 with an aim to empower the youth (not less than 18 years of age) of Punjab by digitally connecting them with the rest of the world, evoked exceptional response and had to be extended on popular demand.
The scheme underlined Capt. Amarinder’s commitment to providing 50 lakh smartphones with free data and calling facility to youth on the formation of his government. An allocation of Rs 4000-5000 crores would be made over a 5-year period from the state budget for the implementation of the scheme.
In Phase I (November 20 to 30) of the scheme, 20 lakh people were register for their free smartphones. Going by the response and unprecedented demand, the scheme was till December 10.
A spokesperson of the Punjab Congress disclosed that in last 20 days of the campaign, party workers and volunteers set up multiple desks in each of Punjab 117 constituencies to facilitate registrations on the ground. About 40 Punjab Congress Expresses were used as mobile registration desks.
Similarly, another mega campaign - Har Ghar ton Ikk Captain (HGC) - kicked off by the party as Capt Amarinder Singh’s flagship campaign to address the twin problems - drugs and unemployment - are also all set for massive enrolment drive on the ground.
