Microsoft Corporation on Thursday announced the availability of a Hindi language interface for the Windows XP operating system which can be downloaded at no additional cost.

The initiative boosts Microsoft's local language programme Project Bhasa which comes close on the heels of the recent launch of Office Hindi, a company release said.

Microsoft launched a local language programme under which it will make free Hindi Language Interface Pack (LIPs) available for other languages globally.

"India is one of the first countries to launch a local language LIP for Windows", it said.

LIPs can be downloaded from www.bhasaindia.com or www.microsoft.com/windowsupdate.

Windows and Office in Hindi will together improve accessibility of IT for a broader section of society and help in bridge the digital divide. The offering addresses the needs of the central and state governments, PSU undertakings, banking industry, educational institutions and local community developer, Rajiv Kaul, MD, Microsoft India said.