Aakash Tablet: Government to Offer Android Tablet at Rs 1500 for Students

Technology, today has become a way of life, the influence it has on us and the perks it brings along with it, is undeniable. The Indian Government seems to be have recognized the advantages of technology and is looking to aid Indian Citizens with the help of it. Akash tablet project is an initiative taken up by the Indian Government, to provide tablets for students at subsidized rate of Rs. 1,130. It is understood that the government has acquired the tablets from DataWind, a British manufacturing and marketing company for Rs. 2,263, per unit.

The news is that the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is a partner in the Aakash tablet project and the government is in talks with them to help bring the price of the tablet down to Rs. 1,500.

Telecom and IT minister Kapil Sibal told the media, " I asked Rajat Moona (Director General, C-DAC) to help us in Aakash. Let us take that Aakash to the people of this country for a sum of Rs 1,500. Each student must have a Aakash in his/her hand so that they can see the world with it."

The minister also addressed the tragic Delhi incident and pointed to the media that the government will be coming up with technology to aid in women's safety.

Kapil Sibal said "Recently, we had this very very unfortunate event in Delhi and I called Rajat and said I want a technological solution of the safety of girls and women in our country"

"I want a wrist watch, which will video graph, which will set up an alarm, which will call up dedicated lines. Lets have a GPS system and lets produce this for less than Rs 1,000 for the citizens of our country for their safety." he added.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Kapil Sibal has revealed that the government is developing a wristwatch with GPS capability, that can send a text message to the nearest police station as well as pre-selected family members, upon pressing a button. The message notifies the wearer's location via GPS.This might be a valuable tool for women in case of an attack.

The government is planning to come up with more technology at affordable prices for the people. Perhaps, this a change, we have all been looking for.