CG Free Smartphone Scheme 2025 – Sanchar Kranti Yojana (SKY)

“Empowering every household with a smartphone and connection in Chhattisgarh”

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1. Introduction

The Sanchar Kranti Yojana (SKY) launched by the Government of Chhattisgarh aims to provide free smartphones (often with data/network benefits) to eligible citizens — primarily women from poor households and students — to drive digital inclusion, enhance connectivity and empower marginalised communities.
For 2025, the scheme has been referenced as the “CG Free Smartphone Scheme 2025” (or remaining under SKY’s umbrella). Here’s everything you need to know: application, eligibility, benefits, guidelines and how to get the PDF.

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2. Key Highlights of the Scheme

• The scheme targets women heads of households (especially from SECC 2011/NPR/BPL lists) and college, diploma and certificate students in Chhattisgarh.
• Under SKY, free smartphones were distributed — the original scheme planned about 50 lakh handsets.
• The purpose: increase mobile network penetration (which was very low earlier in the state), bridge digital divide, and ensure beneficiaries have access to welfare‑apps, emergency services and information.
• The official site of the state scheme provides notifications, detailed project report, guidelines, budget info and list of beneficiaries.

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3. Eligibility Criteria (as per guidelines)

Here are the typical eligibility requirements (please check the latest notification on official site for 2025 version):

• Must be a resident of Chhattisgarh (State).
• Women head of household listed in SECC 2011/NPR/BPL in rural & urban areas.
• Students enrolled in recognised colleges/diploma/certificate courses in the state.
• Beneficiary should not already have benefited under the scheme or another similar free‑smartphone scheme (depending on guidelines).
• Must provide valid identity proof, address proof, student enrollment certificate (if student), bank account for DBT (if applicable).
• Any other conditions the state government might impose (such as nomination through specific portal, verification by local authority).

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4. Benefits Provided

Under SKY (and likely the 2025 Free Smartphone scheme) the benefits include:

• Free smartphone handset.
• Possibly free data / calling benefits as part of package (in earlier version the scheme included 1 GB data + 100 minutes calling per month for rural/urban women & students).
• Pre‑installed apps for state services, welfare communications (for example the “Goth” app in earlier version) to connect beneficiaries with government schemes.
• Installation of mobile towers and improved infrastructure in remote/undernet areas as part of the scheme’s connectivity push.

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5. Application Process & Form (How to Apply)

To apply under the scheme, you should follow the below steps:

1. Visit the official portal of the scheme at the state government website for Chhattisgarh. The dedicated scheme page can be found under the Department of Telecommunications / State Govt website.
2. Download or fill the application form (PDF). The site provides link for “Forms; Notices” under the scheme page.
3. Fill in the required details: name, address, benefit category (woman head of household / student), identity proof, enrollment certificate (if student), mobile number, bank account details for subsidies/benefits if required.
4. Attach required documents: identity proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID), address proof, student certificate (if applicable), BPL/SECC certificate (if applicable).
5. Submit the completed form at the designated office (District Telecom Office or state‑nominated centre) or upload via the online portal (if available).
6. After verification, beneficiary will be selected and handset distribution will be organised (via DEO/district authority).
7. Beneficiary will receive handset and instructions on usage, and the data/benefit package.

Important: Make sure to download the latest guideline PDF to check any modifications, deadlines, or category changes for 2025.

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6. Guidelines PDF – Where to Get It & What It Contains

Where to get:

• On the official scheme page of Chhattisgarh: look for “Sanchar Kranti Yojana – Guidelines / DPR / Notification” section.
• Alternatively, state district site like Dantewada multi‑purpose site provides the document.
• Some third‑party websites list the scheme along with downloadable PDFs. (Always verify authenticity).

What it contains:

• Introduction & objectives of the scheme.
• Definitions of beneficiary categories.
• Eligibility criteria and benefits.
• Implementation mechanism — which department is responsible, how selection is done, distribution plan.
• Funding pattern – how the budget is allocated.
• Monitoring & grievance redressal mechanism.
• Duties of beneficiary, verification norms, penalties for misuse.
• Timeline, phases of distribution, and any special conditions for remote/tribal areas.
• Contact details of nodal department and district office.

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7. Deadlines & Key Dates (2025)

• As of the latest update, check the state website for exact opening date of applications and last date. Since previous versions had fixed phases (urban vs rural) of distribution, the 2025 version may mirror similar structure.
• Important: don’t wait for the last minute — submit early to avoid any last‑minute technical issues.

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8. Tips for Applicants

• Ensure all documents are valid and recent (address proof, identity).
• Double‑check that you are part of the eligible category. If you are a student, carry your valid enrollment certificate.
• Keep photocopies of documents and don’t hand over original documents unless required.
• After submission, note down the acknowledgement or reference number for follow‑up.
• Confirm the date & venue of distribution with your district authority so you don’t miss the handset distribution.
• After receiving smartphone, check that pre‑installed apps/services are functioning, and you have the promised data/calling benefits (if offered).
• If you face issues, use the grievance contact given in the guidelines PDF or state website.

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9. Common Issues & How to Avoid Them

• Incomplete or Incorrect Documents: This is the most common reason for rejection. Make sure all fields are correctly filled.
• Already Benefitted: If you have already received a handset under previous scheme, you likely won’t be eligible again.
• No network coverage in your area: The earlier version of SKY flagged this issue — in some remote villages network coverage was weak. (The Times of India)
• Quality or handset complaints: Earlier iterations had reported concerns over handset quality and usage. (The Times of India)

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10. Downloadable Form & Guidelines PDF

You can download the application form and guidelines PDF from the official page. The link may change per district/state update, so please search for:

“Sanchar Kranti Yojana SKY Chhattisgarh guidelines PDF” or “CG Free Smartphone Scheme 2025 application form PDF”

Direct links:

• Scheme page (State Govt): [Sanchar Kranti Yojana – CHIPSI site]
• District site example: Dantewada “Documents” section:

I can help send you a pre‑formatted PDF link or attach a downloadable form, if you’d like — just let me know!

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11. FAQs

Q1. Is ownership of smartphone free or subsidised?
A1. Under this scheme, smartphones are provided free of cost to eligible beneficiaries (handset cost + connectivity benefits).

Q2. What if I live in a remote area with no mobile tower?
A2. The scheme includes a component of installing new towers and improving connectivity in remote areas.

Q3. Can I apply if I am a student from out of state but studying in Chhattisgarh?
A3. Typically the scheme is for residents of Chhattisgarh enrolled in institutions in the state — you should verify eligibility with your district authority.

Q4. What happens if the handset malfunctions?
A4. The guidelines PDF will contain details of warranty/repair or replacement mechanism — check that section in your downloaded guidelines.

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12. Conclusion

The CG Free Smartphone Scheme (Sanchar Kranti Yojana) is a major initiative for digital empowerment in Chhattisgarh, especially for women and students. By making smartphones and network connectivity accessible, the state aims to bridge the digital divide and open doors to education, information and services.

If you are eligible, make sure to download the guidelines PDF, fill out the application form correctly, and submit it on time. This could be a game‑changer for your digital access.

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