Friday, January 14 2005 16:12 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: Low-cost computers, priced at Rs 10,000 per unit, would be launched across the country in June this year, in a move to make computers affordable to the rural masses, Union IT and Telecommunications Minister Dayanidhi Maran said today (Jan 14, 2005).

The private computers makers have been told to launch the `economy-grade' computers. These computers will be launched in June, Maran told a news conference after launching the BSNL's broadband Internet services in Chennai.

"The computers will not have all the latest features. But, it will provide all the basic functions," he said.

He said the computer manufacturers will come out with two set of models - economy and premium. The economy-model computer was aimed at making computers affordable and thereby popularising its usage among more people, the Minister said.

To take computers to the villages, Maran also announced the launch of local language computer operating systems. Computer major Microsoft has already launched Hindi language operating systems recently.

The launch of Tamil language Windows operating systems by Microsoft, which was postponed due to the tsunami tragedy, will be held next month, Maran said. The Ministry will also take steps to promote the use of indigenous software to encourage domestic software companies, he said.