Classmate to launch soon

Intel will soon introduce 'Classmate', a PC for children priced between Rs 9,000-11,000, in India under its World Ahead programme, aimed at adding a billion new global computer users.

Two pilot projects with Classmate have been undertaken at DPS-Delhi and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), Faridabad near Delhi.

"Classmate PCs are being piloted in 25 countries this year, including India, and are designed to be entry points in education, These PCs will not have a disk drive and use flash drive, but have all necessary software and hardware to enable learning and Internet browsing" explained Intel Corporation chief strategist, Chris S Thomas, said.

Classmate's manufacturing cost is US$ 300-400 and Intel looks to manufacture it locally in the range of US$ 200-300.

On affordability, Intel Corporation will work with the government to possibly provide tax sops to manufacturers to further push down the cost.

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Brip

Attended exam in handcuffs

A 17-year-old Class XII examinee was brought to the examination hall at Dehrion-Sone in handcuffs. which is a clear violation of the Supreme Court directive not to handcuff minor offenders,

Arvind Kumar, a student of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (Aurangabad), was arrested on January 31 in connection with the murder of his classmate and subsequently sent to jail.

He was granted permission to appear for the Class XII examination at Dehri-on-Sone under proper security, In compliance with the court directive, Arvind was brought to the examination centre, but in handcuffs.

Even his pleadings with the police to take off the handcuffs at least during the examination were not heeded.

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Brip