Akaash tablets fuels global interests

New Delhi: With the government all set to initiate the process for acquiring 10 lakh more Akaash tablets priced at Rs 2,276 each, there has been an international interest in the low-cost machine. Panama has approached the Indian Embassy there to buy one lakh units of Akaash. Even Philadelphia - the sixth largest US state in terms of Gross Domestic Product - has shown interest in the product. "We are waiting for a formal request from Philadelphia. Panama's demand has reached us. One more Latin American country has also approached us," a source said. Malaysia had approached the HRD ministry even before Akaash was formally unveiled, but it wanted to produce tablets locally. "We had to decline the request," source said. Thailand has directly approached Datawind, the company that is manufacturing the first one lakh tablets. Ministry sources do not rule out helping countries, but made it clear that domestic needs are paramount. Sources said production of one lakh tablets is going on as per schedule, but after receiving the initial feedback the manufacturer has been asked to make minor changes like improve the processor. "Many users said the tablet is slow when it is started," a source said, adding that the next lot might have better features like improved screen. The ministry has written to vice-chancellors of state, private and central universities and state chief secretaries explaining the scheme, especially the fact that with 50% subsidy provided by the Central government, a student has to pay only Rs 1, 138 for a tablet. It has also asked all states to spell out their requirements. States have been told to give their suggestions on technical specifications, subsidy and distribution of tablets. The Unique Identification Development Authority of India has also approached the ministry to collaborate with Akaash. "We are still working out the details. Aadhar numbers and tablet can be put to creative use for establishing identity of students and their attendance," an official said.