Govt to launch $35 computer next month

The much-awaited $35 computing-cum-access device, to be made available to students right from primary schools to universities, will be launched on October 5.

"The computer will be launched next month," HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said at a function here.

"This is not just a dream, it is a reality," he added.

Officials in the Ministry said the low-cost device will be launched on October 5.

Sibal said the name has already been finalised for the device and will announced at the launch. He, however, did not elaborate about the the device, which is being billed as the cheapest computer globally.

The computer will bring in immense benefits to the students and will be connected to the net and perform "all the functions that any other computer can perform. That's an enormously empowering tool", he said.

Sibal, who gave away the first IGNOU-instituted Rajiv Gandhi International Prize for technology in education development to Azim Premji in recognition of his foundation's role in the education sector, said IT has come to play an important role not only in the education sector but in other sectors as well.

He said while it gives scope to a child to transcend boundaries and acquire knowledge using the net, IT can also be used to root out corruption from the country.