Implementation of National Knowledge Network, a state-of-the-art network aimed at connecting all knowledge related institutions, is progressing well and once completed will help overcome faculty shortage problem, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal has said.

As of now 400 universities and 14,000 colleges across the world had been connected under NKN and when the project will be fully completed 604 universities and 35,000 colleges would be connected to it, he said.

Speaking at a function to felicitate meritorious SSLC students of Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency and distribute tablet Computers to 673 students last night at the initiative of local MP P C Chacko, Sibal said with the commissioning of NKN, problem posed by shortage of faculty could be overcome.

Noting that students presently had no choices in class rooms other than the teacher and textbooks to widen their knowledge, he said computer application in education would bring about radical change in the conventional educational system and provide access to multiple choices of knowledge.

"Computer is like a national highway as its access for knowledge is limitless," he said.

He said the low cost computing device Aakash to be offered with subsidy would be distributed to 20,000 students on November 11, in New Delhi.