[India] Linux Thrust: Full Utilisation Of Free Software Outlined

["Irfan Khan" <khania2@super.net.pk>]

The Financial Express, 28 February 2003


Linux Thrust: Full Utilisation Of Free Software Outlined

OUR eFE BUREAU

New Delhi:   In what may be bad news for propriety software companies 
like Microsoft, the government of India is actively exploring the 
possibility of building its information infrastructure on free (open 
source) software such as Linux.

According to the pre-budget Economic Survey 2002-03 tabled in 
Parliament on Thursday, a remarkable phenomenon of recent years is 
the increased adoption of high quality 'free software' which has 
become available internationally.

"The use of free software reduces costs, reduces computer security 
threats, puts full control in Indian hands, and fosters the 
development of Indian skills in building new technology," it said.

"As with numerous other governments in the world, the government of 
India is also actively exploring how free software can be fully 
utilised in India. Many government agencies and state governments 
have commenced exploiting free software, particularly in the areas of 
national security, e-governance, Internet-related applications, 
research and development, and utilisation for low-cost computing in 
schools and colleges," said the survey.

For computer technology to have maximum impact in India, complete 
support for Indian languages is required. Government agencies are 
working towards ensuring that all Indian languages are properly 
supported, particularly with free software.

The Economic Survey also stated that India’s software exports has 
grown by a phenomenal 50 per cent over the last five years to touch 
Rs 36,500 crore in 2001-02.

During the same period, the country’s hardware exports touched Rs 
5,871 crore.

The Survey said, "While software export is a well-known success 
story, India is now an important venue for many tasks in services 
such as financial accounting, call centres, processing insurance 
claims and medical transcriptions."

Among other major developments in the sector, it said issuance of 
digital licences by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) to 
firms setting up key Internet security infrastructure for online 
business transactions, setting up of Centre for Information and 
Network Security in Pune Univeristy and computer emergency response 
team for protecting India’s strategic commercial and financial 
information assets would go a long way in putting the country on the 
global infotech map.

Also, some of the policy initiatives taken on the customs duties 
front with regard to the IT sector have brought desirable results.
 
 

source: 
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=29004