CHENNAI: CPI state secretary M Veerapandian has welcomed the State government's decision to provide free laptops to 20 lakh college students and condemned AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami for criticising the move.

In a statement on Sunday, CPI state secretary M Veerapandian said the distribution of free laptops to government school students had already played a significant role in improving learning ability, digital skills and creative capabilities, especially for those from economically disadvantaged families.

He said extending the scheme to college students would further enhance educational access and help bridge the digital divide. The CPI state executive fully welcomed Chief Minister MK Stalin's announcement, he said.

Veerapandian said the AIADMK leader's remarks against the initiative were unacceptable and reflected an anti-student mindset.