BJP endorses free and open source software and open standards in its IT Vision document released on its website.
BJP’s pledge IT for All
Har Hindustani ka bank khaata;
Har BPL parivar ko smart phone
Har gaon mein broadband suvidha;
Har school mein Internet shiksha;
Sabko rozgaar; Shaasan Janata ke dwaar.
The highlights of the 30-page IT Vision document can be found here.
Its a great news as political parties have started thinking in the right directions about technological growth of India, setting up open standards, and using FOSS to save tax payers money flowing into MNC’s pockets. It’s very common for all of us to see such pledges on the agenda of political parties as polls are around. But it would be great if they can materialize the pledges.
FOSS Manifesto for India – FOSS community of India calls upon political parties to make FOSS usage and promotion a central part of the IT, e-government and education plans in their election manifestos. FOSS is software which is liberally licensed to grant the right of users to study, change, and improve its design through the availability of its source code. The open, inclusive and participatory nature of FOSS is a natural fit for the vibrant traditions of Indian democracy and its emphasis on sharing knowledge. Since software is the foundation of the digital economy, India’s IT infrastructure should be built on FOSS and not on closed, proprietary software systems that enforce restrictive licenses, limit the freedom of users and encourage monopolistic behavior.
Click here to sign the petition setup by FOSS Community of India
