Chilean government faces backlash over proposed cuts to “Yo elijo mi PC” program

Yo elijo mi PC Becas TIC Presupuesto 2027 educational technology Chilean budget

The Chilean government's proposal to eliminate funding for the “Yo elijo mi PC” program (also known as Becas TIC) in the 2027 Budget has sparked significant opposition from lawmakers and local authorities.

Government officials, including Interior Undersecretary Máximo Pavez, have defended the decision, stating the program was poorly evaluated, lacked a significant impact on learning, and faced implementation issues. Education Minister María Paz Arzola noted the move is part of a broader reallocation of public resources, though she left the door open for further discussion during the budget's congressional review.

Members of the Independent Democratic Union (UDI) party are seeking to restore the funds by proposing cuts in other areas, such as the National Institute of Human Rights (INDH) budget and addressing the misuse of medical licenses in the public sector. Meanwhile, municipal leaders from the Laja-Diguillín Association have expressed concern that the loss of technological tools will disproportionately affect students in rural areas who rely on these computers for their education.