As per the previous announcement made by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the government is likely to give free laptops with data cards to meritorious tribal and dalit Plus students within next 60 days, eyeing the upcoming polls in the state.

The Information Technology (IT) department will make arrangements for the distribution of free laptops among the students. It was decided at a review meeting of the Odisha Youth Policy 2013, attended by Naveen on Monday.

If the policy will be implemented, about 20,000 tribal and dalit students will get the benefits.

It can be noted that Naveen had announced to give free laptops to the meritorious students belonging to weaker sections at a rally in the state capital on April 7.