HP to set up 48 'digital inclusion' labs in rural India

Global printing and personal computer major HP Inc. on Saturday announced a new programme to build and deploy 48 self-contained, internet-enabled digital inclusion and learning labs to drive digital literacy in rural India.

Called "HP World on Wheels" (WoW), the programme is part of HP's global initiative to create opportunities in the underserved communities and empower people everywhere to build a better, more prosperous life and also supports the 'Digital India' initiative, the company said in a statement.

"Quality education for all is critical to ensure fast economic and social development of India and we need to think beyond brick and mortar solutions and use technology to educate and skill all," said Rajiv Srivastava, Managing Director, HP India.

The programme aims to reach 6,400 Indian villages, impacting more than 15 million people over the next six years to drive education programming, entrepreneurship training and other community services.

Each 20-seat, IT-enabled HP "WoW" digital inclusion and learning lab will be equipped with HP computing and printing equipment, such as HP Thin Clients, an HP Workstation and an HP OfficeJet all-in-one printer, as well as software suites and e-learning tools like HP Classroom Manager, HP LIFE and HP VideoBook.

The classrooms will allow individuals to gain access to IT literacy programmes and connect to different government programmes.

The digital inclusion and learning labs are designed with leading technology to reduce emissions and maximise energy efficiency, the company said.

--IANS

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