Hyderabad, Aug 25 - India's technology institutes should work to develop low-cost laptops not costing more than $10 for students, according to Minister of State for Higher Education D. Purandareswari.

'It is a challenge but we have the potential and the capacity to overcome challenges. Who would have thought Ratan Tata would develop a car for Rs.1 lakh?' Purandareswari said here Tuesday.

The minister was addressing e-India 2009, the country's largest information and communication technology (ICT) event which began here Tuesday.

'We need to put our heads together to bring down the cost of laptops. Power supply is another problem. We have to think how can we ensure schools use laptops and bring technology closer to children,' she said.

Purandareswari said the National Mission on Education through ICT to be launched by the ministry of human resources development would also focus on achieving technological breakthrough by developing low-cost and low-power consuming access devices.

The mission will leverage the potential of ICT, in providing personalised and interactive knowledge modules over the internet for higher education institutions.

'Some people have suggested that a laptop be provided to every student. The government needs to provide subsidy for laptops which cost $100-200, but given the huge challenges the country faces, it can't afford such huge subsidies,' Purandareswari said.

The minister said developing content for children in their mother tongue would be another major challenge.