Overview The Karnataka State government has decided to replace the distribution of laptops with cash prizes for students of government high schools who achieve the highest marks in the SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) examination. This change in policy has sparked controversy and opposition from various stakeholders. Key Developments Change in Incentive Scheme Previous Scheme: Under the 'Quality Assurance and Student Motivation Initiative Action Plan', the government had been rewarding the top three class 10 students from each taluk with a laptop since 2010-11 . New Directive: On January 22 , the government issued an order directing the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) to distribute a cash prize of ₹50,000 instead of a laptop. Implementation: The new directive will be applicable from the academic year 2024-25 . Rationale Behind the Change According to a senior official of the KSEAB, the decision to provide cash prizes is aimed at benefiting students' future education. The money is intended to help students enroll in good colleges and purchase textbooks and other necessary equipment. Financial Implications The government had already given administrative approval for ₹3.25 crore to distribute laptops for toppers in 2025-26 . A total of 758 toppers eligible for the scheme for the academic year 2024-25 will now receive cash prizes credited to their bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) through the State Scholarship Portal (SSP). Opposition to the Decision School Development Monitoring Committee (SDMC) The SDMC has strongly opposed the government’s decision, arguing that laptops are more useful and convenient for students in the IT era. They also raised concerns that parents might misuse the cash prize amount and that ₹50,000 is insufficient to purchase a good laptop. The SDMC plans to submit a petition to the Chief Minister to reinstate the laptop distribution scheme. UPSC Relevance GS2: Government Policies & Interventions This news highlights the government's role in promoting education through incentive schemes. The shift from laptops to cash prizes raises questions about the effectiveness of different approaches and their impact on student outcomes. It also touches upon the importance of stakeholder consultation in policy-making. GS2: Social Justice The decision to change the incentive scheme has implications for social justice, particularly in ensuring equitable access to educational resources for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The debate over laptops versus cash prizes underscores the need to address the digital divide and provide students with the tools they need to succeed in the modern world. Important Facts Scheme Name: Quality Assurance and Student Motivation Initiative Action Plan Implementing Body: Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) Cash Prize Amount: ₹50,000 Disbursement Method: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) via State Scholarship Portal (SSP)