DW BUREAU / SAS Nagar Launching the Punjab Smart Connect Scheme in Mohali, Cabinet Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu as a symbolic gesture handed over smart phones to fifteen class XII students of government schools, in a simple programme organised at the District Administrative Complex. Keeping COVID safety protocols into consideration no elaborate ceremony was organised. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that Captain Amarinder Singh led Punjab Government has fulfilled yet another promise made to the people. In the first phase of Punjab Smart Connect Scheme, approximately 1.75 lac phones would be distributed to the eligible youth state-wide, while 5686 would get phones in Mohali. However, the number may increase as admissions are still taking place, said he. Talking on the utility of smart-phones, Sidhu said that they shall facilitate digital learning whereby, the students would be able to access relevant information about their course, in the difficult times of COVID-19. Youth shall have means to avail citizen services, online. They shall be able to access employment opportunities, job fairs and recruitment drives under Governments flagship scheme Ghar-Ghar Rozgaar and Karobaar. Besides, by virtue of improved digital literacy, the youth shall have access to digital payments, insurance, online banking etc. Talking about the period of implementation of the scheme, the minister said that the distribution of smart phones to youth during the year 2020-21 shall be completed by November, 2020. It may be recalled that the state government had already received the first consignment of 50,000 smart phones and the remaining were in the pipeline. Coincidentally, 12th August which has been chosen as the day for commencement of distribution of phones to youth, is also the International Youth Day. (editor@dailyworld.in)