Last month, India’s IT Minister, Kapil Sibal demonstrated the country’s very own Android based tablet ‘Shakshat’ priced at a mere $35 (1600 approx.). Recent news is coming in that HCL Technologies have been given the contract by the Indian Government to manufacture 100,000 units of these low-cost tablets to be readied before January 10, 2011, the official launch date decided by the government.

Although HCL Technologies have earned their fame in the sub-continent for the most part, the quality of devices has not yet impressed major user base. But looking at the sole purpose of the Indian government to uplift the rural academical institutions by providing latest technologies at low cost, little quality was bound to be compromised.

But then again, it is a 30 crore project and the tablet looks decent enough in the hands-on demo by Kapil Sibal (video below). Now some basic tech-specs of Sakshat:

• It will be available in 3 versions (5 inch, 7 inch and 9 inch) with only the 7 inch version available in the first phase.
• Android OS
• 2 GB RAM
• Wi-Fi
• Camera
• USB port
• 2 Watt power system (for efficient performance in areas with poor electricity supply).
• Pre-installed apps like media player, internet browser, PDF reader, etc.

Hands-on video demo of the $35 Android tablet – ‘Sakshat’