Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin announced on Thursday, December 18, 2025, that the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (ELCOT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Perplexity AI to offer six months of free training in Perplexity Pro AI to college students across the state. This initiative aims to enhance technical skills among the youth in Tamil Nadu.
Stalin addressed criticisms from AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who questioned the timing of laptop distributions to students amid the academic year. In his defense, the Deputy Chief Minister clarified that the laptop distribution was initially announced during the Budget session and would proceed after the Christmas and New Year vacation, with a target of distributing 10 lakh laptops in phases across all districts by February.
The Deputy Chief Minister accused Palaniswami of opposing the laptop distribution, framing it as part of a broader agenda against educational opportunities for Tamil Nadu’s youth. “Mr. Palaniswami has been consistently expressing the intention of the fascist BJP that the students of Tamil Nadu should not get education and develop,” he asserted. This conflict highlighted ongoing political tensions surrounding educational initiatives in the state.
Udhayanidhi Stalin further emphasized that the government is committed to distributing laptops equipped with software intended for engineering applications, following a partnership established with Microsoft. This collaboration aims to ensure that the technology provided will be beneficial for students pursuing careers in engineering and technology.
On the same day, the Deputy Chief Minister inaugurated an exhibition organized by the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women, focusing on the contributions of women self-help groups. This event at Nungambakkam in Chennai underscored the state government’s efforts to promote women’s empowerment and social development.
The announcement regarding the MoU with Perplexity AI is part of Tamil Nadu’s broader strategy to leverage technological advancements in education. By integrating AI training into the curriculum, the government aims to better prepare students for the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. This initiative not only responds to current technological trends but also signals a commitment to fostering a skilled workforce in the state.
As the government prepares for the laptop distribution and the upcoming AI training program, it underscores the critical role of technology in education and the potential for these initiatives to impact students’ futures positively. The ongoing dialogue between political factions also highlights the contentious nature of educational policy in Tamil Nadu, suggesting that the state’s approach to technology and education may remain a focal point in future political discourse.
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