The government will soon launch nano computers for Rs500 only, for students.
Human resources development minister Arjun Singh will launch a prototype of the specially designed portable computers in Tirupati on February 3, and they will be in the market in six months.

Though technology for the computers has been developed by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Chennai, they will be manufactured in collaboration with private firms.

“A lot of testing is being done to ensure the technology works properly. The computer can be an ideal gift for children,” said higher education secretary RP Aggarwal.

While one may see it as an poll gimmick to woo young voters, going by the time of launch, the ministry of human resource development said the computer is India’s answer to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s $100 laptop.