Cheaper laptops for better learning

SHIMLA: After its successful run in Latin America and some African countries, the US-based non-profit organisation "One laptop per Child" (OLPC) has launched the programme in India to equip students with specially designed laptop at subsidised rate for better learning.

"Over 1,000 laptops have been made available to students in the age group of 5-12 in 20 schools in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu," OLPC President and CEO Satish Jha, who was at Kasauli in Solan district, told PTI.

The scheme would be launched in Himachal Pradesh and other states soon, he said, adding the group aims to distribute three lakh laptops by the end of 2009.

Jha said the laptop has been specially designed to suit Indian conditions. Each set consumes only one watt of power, besides it has screen which is visible in sunlight also.

The laptops are unbreakable and water-proof which will make them easy to handle without any risk, he said.

Jha said course contents and books used in schools can be fitted easily in the laptops in local languages.

The laptop is provided at a rate of Rs 11,000 only, he said, adding the project is funded by leading organisations like Microsoft, Nortel Networks, Red Hat, Google and Bright Star corporation among others.

The project has drawn good response in Latin America and African countries like Libya, Nigeria and Rwanda, besides in parts of Pakistan and Nepal, Jha said.