World's cheapest computer cum access device Aakash was launched in New Delhi today. Unveiling it, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal said, it will help in bridging the digital divide in the country. He said, the government's endeavour is to ensure that every student in any part the country has access to technology. He said, the bigger challenge is to provide world class content information to the students. Mr Sibal said, this device can help the students access educational material from anywhere at anytime.

The HRD minister said that information technology can help a lot in reducing corruption. Mr Sibal said the government will introduce a Bill on electronic delivery of public services in the coming winter session of Parliament. AIR correspondent reports, presently, the tablet costs approximately 40 US dollars but it will be gradually brought down to nearly 10 US Dollars.

Aakash, is part of the Government's National Mission on Education's Sakshat Project. Providing the low cost Device Aakaash is one of the main agendas of the Mission which aims to link all higher education institutions in the country. It will create open source material from IITs so that students from institutes in remote locations and rural areas can access lectures. This seven inch touch screen device comes equipped with wi-fi internet connection, media player, 180 hours battery power and several other multimedia applications along with a two GB memory card.

The software for the tablet has been developed indigenously by the Indian Institute of Technology, Rajasthan. This device which is the dream project of the Government will be sold only through colleges and universities. By serving the three fold purpose of access, equity and quality, Aakash is all set to revolutionize the education system in the country.