PUNJAB SMART CONNECT SCHEME

SCHEME 1.

 In order to encourage and incentivize youth to use digital technology in day-to-day life and to enable them, among other things, to be a beneficiary and a partner in efforts to digitize Punjab through the Digital Punjab Initiative; the Government to Punjab has decided to launch the "Punjab Smart Connect Scheme" as per the following:-

SCHEME 2. Administrative Department.--

The Department of Sports and Youth Services shall be the Administrative Department for the scheme.

SCHEME 3. Expected Advantages.--

The Scheme envisages following benefits to the community with the implementation of the scheme and provision of smart phones to the youth:

(a)      Knowledge of Schemes and Awareness of Entitlements:

Youth shall be better aware of their entitlements and be able to take advantage of Government schemes and initiatives such as the free treatment available for addicts under the anti-drug campaign or the farming community can access information latest technologies of precision farming, weather updates, get up-to-date market prices.

(b)      Delivery of Citizen Services:

Youth will have greater access to avail citizen centric services online such as character & domicile certificates and even register grievances online.

(c)      Education and Career Guidance:

Students will be able to better access relevant information about courses, colleges, job prospects to make smarter choices about their education and career.

(d)      Employment opportunities:

The Government of Punjab is committed creation of gainful employment in the State under its flagship scheme, Ghar-Ghar Rozgaar & Karobaar (GGRK). Youth will be able to access to information through pre-loaded content and apps on these smart phones such as employment Opportunities in the private and public sector, job fairs and recruitment drives etc.

(e)      Skill Development:

The Government of Punjab is offering several skill development courses under the Punjab Skill Development Mission (PSDM). These could also be delivered digitally later. The youth will be able to access information regarding skilling and later even directly use such digital content to upgrade their skills, especially in emerging technologies.

(f)       Digital Empowerment:

Youth will have improved digitalliteracy and have enabled for digital payments, online banking, insurance and Financial services.

(g)      Staying connected:

Youth will be better able to stay connected with their family and friends through social media, even when they are not in the same city - which will increase their mobility for work and social integration.

SCHEME 4. Beneficiaries.--

In order to qualify under the "Punjab Smart Connect Scheme", an individual must be one of the following:

a.        A regular student studying in class 12th of a Government school in Punjab and not owning a smart phone; or

b.        A regular student studying in final year of undergraduate courses in Government ITI/Polytechnic/College in Punjab and not owning a smart phone.

SCHEME 5. Minimum Specifications of the Smart phone & Network.--

Sr. No.	Smart Phone Specification Required
1	RAM - 1 GB
2	Processor - 1.2 GHz
3	Display Size - 4 inches
4	Resolution of 800*480
5	Battery - 1700 mAh
6	Rear Camera - 2 MP
7	Capacitive Touch Screen
8	Complied with all types of network such as 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, VoLTE
9	OS- Andriod 8.0 or above
10	ROM (Memory) - 8GB Expandable to 32GB or above
11	Power Adapter (110V-250V, 50Hz)
12	Wi-Fi
13	Bluetooth
14	GPS
15	Head Phone with jack
16	USB Cable
17	Certification - BIS, RoHS and SAR complaint
18	Additional Language Support - Gurmukhi & Hindi
19	Mobile device management (MDM)
20	Warranty - 1 Year (from the date of successful handover of the smart phones to the beneficiaries)

 

Network Requirement
Network Type	3G and/or 4G/LTE
Prepaid Plan (Data & Voice)	One Time Bundled 12 GB data & 600 local minutes talk time (voice) with one-year validity.

SCHEME 6. Procurement Process.--

The tendering process shall be carried out by Punjab InfoTech, Department of Industries & Commerce, on behalf of the Department of Sports & Youth Services in a transparent manner.

SCHEME 7. Distribution Approach.--

Delivery at all district headquarters shall be done by the Implementation partner (IP) as per directions & in consultation with the Department of Sports & Youth Services. Final distribution shall be done through organizing distribution camps at various schools/colleges in each district by the district nodal officers.

SCHEME 8. Power to Remove Difficulties.--

If there are any difficulties in smooth implementation of the scheme, the Government shall take appropriate decision to remove such difficulties.

SCHEME 9. Power to Withdraw.--

Notwithstanding anything else contained in this notification, the Government shall, if so required, withdraw or change any of the conditions or parameters of the scheme.